The White House announced a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen the security of internet-connected devices in American homes.
A new cybersecurity safety label, the US Cyber Trust Mark, will appear on smart products sold in the United States later this year.
This program is designed to help you make informed decisions about the safety of the smart devices you bring into your home.
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US Cybertrust Mark (FCC)
What is the US Cybertrust Mark?
US cyber trust mark is a label designed for consumer smart devices such as home security cameras, televisions, connected devices, fitness trackers, climate control systems, and baby monitors. This mark indicates that the device meets a set of security features approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
How does it work?
Vendors can place the Cyber Trust Mark logo on their products if they meet NIST's cybersecurity standards. These criteria include:
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- Use unique and strong default passwords
- Providing software updates
- Implementation of data protection measures
- Built-in incident detection capabilities
Consumers will be able to access additional security information by scanning the QR code next to the Cyber Trust Mark label. This information includes:
- Steps to change the default password
- Steps to safely configure your device
- Learn more about automatic updates and how to access them
- Minimum product support period
- Notifications if the manufacturer does not provide updates for your device
US Cybertrust Mark (FCC)
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Why is this important?
Concerns about remote cybercrime are growing Hacking into home security systems Malicious attackers can also eavesdrop on unsecured home cameras. According to Deloitte research, the average American home has 21 connected devices, making the threat of cyberattacks increasingly significant.
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When can I see it?
The program is scheduled to launch in 2025. Businesses will soon be able to submit products for testing to obtain labels, and major retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon are working to highlight labeled products. The program has attracted support from leading electronics, appliance and consumer product manufacturers including Amazon, Google, Best Buy, LG Electronics USA, Logitech and Samsung Electronics.
What is not on the Cybertrustmark menu?
The US Cyber Trust Mark aims to cover a wide range of smart home gadgets, but not everything in your tech arsenal will bear this new seal of approval. A summary of the omitted content is as follows:
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- Medical devices under FDA oversight: Smart pacemakers cannot be certified.
- Vehicles and vehicle equipment monitored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: That means your fancy new electric vehicle won't carry the Cyber Trust mark.
- Wired Devices: This program is all about the wonders of wireless.
- Industrial and Enterprise Equipment: Focuses on consumer products rather than the factory floor.
- Devices on the FCC's Illegal List (also known as the Targeted List) or manufactured by companies on that list
- IoT products from companies with national security concerns
- Equipment manufactured by companies whose bargain purchases are prohibited by the federal government
And here's the surprise. Your trusted computer, smartphone, or router also doesn't have the Cybertrust Mark, at least not yet. The program will start with wireless consumer IoT products, but who knows? More devices may be included in the future. NIST is currently writing some cybersecurity rules for the consumer routers we all rely on.
So while you won't see the Cyber Trust mark on everything in your technology toolkit, it's a solid start to making your connected home a little more secure from digital bad actors.
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Cart important points
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is transformative for you and me as consumers in a hyperconnected world. Let's be honest: Understanding device security can be a headache. However, this program cuts through the tech jargon and provides clear, easy-to-understand information about the gadgets you're considering adding to your home.
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How do you think the U.S. Cyber Trust mark will affect your future purchasing decisions for smart home devices? Do you actively look for this label when purchasing new gadgets? Let us know what you think please. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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