The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced an innovative cybersecurity certification and labeling initiative aimed at helping Americans make safer choices when purchasing smart devices.
The program, known as the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark,” was proposed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and is set to elevate the cybersecurity standards for various common devices like smart refrigerators, microwaves, televisions, climate control systems, fitness trackers, and more. This initiative reflects President Biden’s commitment to safeguarding hard-working families by addressing hidden fees, bolstering cyber protections, and ensuring privacy within their homes.
Key industry players, including Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech, and Samsung Electronics, have voluntarily pledged their support to enhance cybersecurity measures for the products they sell. As part of the program, consumers will be able to identify certified products by a special “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” shield logo, indicating that these devices meet stringent cybersecurity criteria.
To achieve this goal, the FCC plans to encourage public feedback on the proposed cybersecurity labeling program, which is anticipated to be operational by 2024. The program will rely on the efforts of stakeholders to certify and label products based on specific cybersecurity guidelines set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
These guidelines will cover essential aspects such as unique and robust default passwords, data protection, software updates, and incident detection capabilities, providing consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their device security.