The Biden administration recently announced a new cyber initiative to label smart devices considered safe and less vulnerable to attacks. As part of the new cybersecurity labeling program, a new ‘US Cyber Trust Mark’ shield logo will be applied to products that meet specific cybersecurity criteria.
Proposed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the program aims to improve the cybersecurity of smart devices, including smart consumer products and electronics, climate control systems, and more. “As proposed, the program would leverage stakeholder-led efforts to certify and label products based on specific cybersecurity criteria published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that, for example, requires unique and strong default passwords, data protection, software updates, and incident detection capabilities,” the White House spokesman announced.[1]
At the same time, the program is meant to help consumers make informed decisions regarding the security of the products they intend to buy. The voluntary cybersecurity labeling program, which is expected to be implemented by 2024, is already seeing support from major electronics, appliances, and consumer products makers and retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Cisco, Google, Infineon, LG Electronics USA, Logitech, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, and Yale and August US.
The FCC, registering a national trademark to be applied to products, will seek public comment on implementing the program. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will support FCC in educating consumers on looking for the new logo and in encouraging retailers to prioritize labeled products.
A national registry of certified devices will be available for consumers to access via a QR code. A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional matrix barcode invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave for labeling automobile parts. A barcode is a machine-readable optical image that contains information specific to the labeled item, which will allow them to learn more about the cybersecurity of these smart products. In addition, by the end of 2023, NIST will define cybersecurity requirements for consumer-grade routers.
How long will it take for cyber criminals to add/delete and use this program for their purposes?
The US Department of Energy will work with the National Labs and industry members to develop cybersecurity labeling requirements for power inverters and smart meters. At the same time, the Department of State will support the FCC in engaging with international partners for similar labeling efforts. “This new labeling program would help give Americans greater assurances about the cybersecurity of the products they use and rely on in their everyday lives. It would also benefit businesses, as it would help differentiate trustworthy products in the marketplace,” a WH spokesman reported.
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[1] https://www.securityweek.com/white-house-unveils-cybersecurity-labeling-program-for-smart-devices/
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