US Government Proposes ‘Cyber Trust Mark’ for Secure Internet of Things Devices
With the increasing intelligence of our homes, there is a growing demand for enhanced security measures across various devices. In response to this, the federal government is implementing measures to provide consumers with better awareness of the safety of specific devices. The Biden-Harris administration has introduced the “US Cyber Trust Mark” initiative, aimed at certifying and labeling Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including baby monitors and alarm systems, with robust cybersecurity features.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will determine the necessary cybersecurity requirements for consumer-grade routers by the end of 2023. Bad actors can manipulate consumer-grade routers without strong protections for eavesdropping and cyber-attacks on other devices. Its criteria determine whether a product should be labeled and certified using factors such as event detection capabilities and strong default passwords. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy is working with National Labs, among other partners, to determine the best way forward to classify smart meters and power converters as cybersecurity compliant.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking a national trademark for all certified products, and plans to create a QR code that links to a product database. “We knew we didn’t want to create a label that said this product was certified and protected and then stayed safe forever,” a White House official told reporters. “The QR code gives you up-to-date information on ongoing compliance with cybersecurity standards.” Companies such as Logitech, Best Buy, Samsung Electronics, and Amazon have expressed their support and intent to improve cybersecurity in their product offerings.
