The federal government is implementing a consumer labeling system to assist citizens in selecting smart gadgets that are less susceptible to cyberattacks.
Manufacturers who fulfill government cybersecurity criteria can apply the mark to their products under the voluntary U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Initiative program. Baby monitors, home security cameras, fitness trackers, refrigerators, and other internet-connected equipment are among the gadgets that may attempt to bear the moniker.
In addition to a unique shield logo, the labels will have QR codes that customers can scan to learn more about the device’s security. When manufacturers start submitting their devices for approval, products with the label should be accessible this year, according to Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor, who gave reporters an update on the new initiative on Tuesday.
“It gives consumers an easy way to check if a home alarm system or baby monitor is cyber safe,” Neuberger said, noting that the average American household now has 21 devices that are connected to the internet – each presenting a possible entry point for cybercriminals.
Industry players include Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics USA, Logitech, and Samsung.
According to Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at Consumer Reports, the program will assist consumers in determining which brands to trust, even though it is optional. By scanning the QR code, consumers will be able to access additional cybersecurity information, such as whether the manufacturer offers software updates to guard against emerging cyberthreats.
The Federal Communications Commission, which is in charge of overseeing the program, authorized the labels last year after they were first suggested by the Biden administration eighteen months prior. Eleven businesses and organizations were chosen by the FCC last month to supervise the technical designation of goods that wear the labels.
The goal, according to officials, is to encourage manufacturers to improve their cybersecurity while simultaneously providing customers with more information about the items they purchase. They compare the labels to the Energy Star program, which certifies the energy efficiency of equipment.
One vulnerable device may frequently provide cybercriminals with a deadly foothold on a home network, which is why the rise of so-called smart gadgets has coincided with an increase in cybercrime.
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