Labels from U.S. Cyber Trust empower consumers to choose secure smart devices

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The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that new labels proposed by the U.S. government could assist consumers in selecting smart appliances and fitness trackers that are considered relatively secure from cyberattacks.

Internet-connected devices like refrigerators, TVs, microwaves, and climate controls may display the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark seal if they meet the cybersecurity requirements outlined by the federal government. The voluntary labeling program is expected to be implemented next year following public comment solicitation from the Federal Communications Commission.

According to the government, companies such as Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech, and Samsung have committed to enhancing the cybersecurity of the products they sell as part of this initiative.

To be eligible for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, companies must adhere to cybersecurity standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which include the implementation of strong passwords and regular software updates.

The Federal Communications Commission will seek national trademark registration for the label, which will be affixed to products that meet the standards. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is expected to educate consumers about the label and encourage retailers to prioritize labeled products.

Furthermore, other agencies within the executive branch plan to contribute to the enhancement of security for connected devices. For example, the Department of Energy will collaborate with National Labs and industry experts to establish cybersecurity labeling standards for smart meters and power inverters. Additionally, the Department of State intends to work with partner countries to synchronize cybersecurity labeling standards and achieve international recognition for such labels.

NIST will also launch an effort to establish cybersecurity requirements for consumer routers by the end of 2023. The administration emphasized the criticality of securing consumer routers as they can be utilized for eavesdropping, password theft, and attacking other devices and networks. Once completed, the Federal Communications Commission may choose to apply the new label to these products as well.

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