Ethical Hacking News
The U.S. government has launched a new initiative aimed at protecting American consumers from the potential risks associated with smart devices. The Cyber Trust Mark label will be featured on smart products sold in the U.S., providing an easy way for consumers to determine whether their home security cameras, TVs, and other connected devices are safe to install in their homes.
The US government has launched the Cyber Trust Mark label to protect American consumers from smart device risks. The program aims to educate consumers and incentivize companies to produce more cybersecure devices. The Cyber Trust Mark label will be awarded to products meeting specific cybersecurity criteria set by NIST. Consumers can scan a QR code for additional security information with certified devices. Companies like Best Buy and Amazon have already announced their participation in the program. The program is open for business in 2025, with initial testing underway.
The United States government has recently launched a new cybersecurity safety label, designed to protect American consumers from the potential risks associated with smart devices that are not properly secured. The Cyber Trust Mark label, which will be featured on smart products sold in the U.S., aims to provide consumers with an easy way to determine whether their home security cameras, TVs, internet-connected appliances, fitness trackers, climate control systems, and baby monitors are safe to install in their homes.
This initiative is a response to growing concerns about the rise of remote hacking into home security systems and other smart devices, as well as malicious attacks on insecure home cameras that allow criminals to illicitly record conversations. In an effort to address these issues, the White House has launched this bipartisan program, which aims to educate American consumers and incentivize companies to produce more cybersecure devices.
The Cyber Trust Mark label will be awarded to products that meet specific cybersecurity criteria set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These criteria include using unique and strong default passwords, software updates, data protection, and incident detection capabilities. Vendors who wish to have their products certified with the Cyber Trust Mark logo must undergo testing and ensure that their devices meet these standards.
Consumers will be able to scan a QR code included next to the Cyber Trust Mark label for additional security information, such as instructions on changing default passwords, steps for securing devices, details on automatic updates, and notification if the manufacturer does not offer updates for the device. This feature aims to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their smart devices.
The program is open for business in 2025, with companies able to submit their products for testing to earn the label. Companies like Best Buy and Amazon have already announced their participation, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the program and adopted final rules for the Cyber Trust Mark label.
In December 2024, the FCC approved 11 companies as Cybersecurity Label Administrators, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the program and certifying products that meet the cybersecurity standards. Consumer Reports Director of Technology Policy Justin Brookman noted that while the program is voluntary, he hopes that manufacturers will apply for the label and that consumers will look for it when purchasing smart devices.
The launch of this new initiative marks an important step towards protecting American consumers from the potential risks associated with smart devices. By providing a clear and transparent way to identify secure products, the Cyber Trust Mark label aims to promote consumer awareness and confidence in their ability to safely use these devices.
Furthermore, by incentivizing companies to produce more cybersecure devices, this program also has the potential to drive industry-wide improvements in cybersecurity practices. As the demand for smart devices continues to grow, it is essential that manufacturers prioritize the security of their products to prevent potential threats and ensure a safe and secure environment for consumers.
In conclusion, the launch of the Cyber Trust Mark label represents a significant step forward in promoting cybersecurity awareness and protecting American consumers from the potential risks associated with smart devices. By providing a clear and transparent way to identify secure products, this program aims to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their smart devices.
Related Information:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-govt-launches-cybersecurity-safety-label-for-smart-devices/
Published: Tue Jan 7 15:49:07 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
