Federal Communication Commission endorses optional cyber labeling initiative for Internet-connected smart home devices.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, a voluntary initiative designed to enhance the cybersecurity of Internet of Things (IoT) products. The program requires devices to meet specific cybersecurity standards, such as using strong passwords, implementing robust data protection methods, and providing regular software updates, before earning the mark [2][3].
Key Requirements for the Cyber Trust Mark
For an IoT device to obtain the Cyber Trust Mark, it must adhere to several key requirements. These include using strong and non-guessable passwords, implementing robust data protection methods, providing regular software updates, and passing specific security tests administered by authorized evaluators like Intertek [2].
Impact of the Program
The Cyber Trust Mark is intended to enhance consumer trust by clearly identifying IoT products that meet strong cybersecurity standards. By doing so, it aims to help buyers make safer, informed choices in complex markets [2][3]. The program also motivates manufacturers to improve product security to qualify for the mark, potentially raising industry-wide cybersecurity baseline standards [2].
Moreover, the program will improve federal government IT and supply chain security by requiring labeled products in government acquisitions, thereby reducing risks of cyberattacks or breaches through connected consumer devices [1][4][5]. It also supports modernization and harmonization of federal cybersecurity policies [4].
Concerns and Skepticism
Despite the potential benefits, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program faces skepticism from some experts who question its ability to create significant incentives for improving consumer device security without distinct requirements being imposed on manufacturers [6].
Recent Cybersecurity Threats
The program's introduction comes amid increased concerns about IoT security, with threat groups like Volt Typhoon exploiting vulnerabilities in edge devices [7]. Recent actions by federal authorities, such as the disruption of KV Botnet, where hackers put malware onto hundreds of small office/home office routers, underscore the need for improved IoT security [8].
The Future of IoT Security
Connected technologies are widely used by consumers and businesses, with some third-party estimates showing more than 25 billion devices will be in use by 2030 [9]. The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program is a key component of the Biden administration's national cybersecurity strategy, aiming to reduce vulnerabilities in the rapidly expanding IoT ecosystem by setting clear, testable security criteria and incentivizing manufacturers to meet these benchmarks to gain access to federal and consumer markets [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Federal Communications Commission (FCC). (2021). [U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)]. Available: https://www.fcc.gov/cybersecurity/cyber-trust-mark
[2] Intertek. (2021). [CyberTrust Mark Program]. Available: https://www.intertek.com/cybersecurity/cybertrust-mark-program/
[3] U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2021). [Internet of Things: Federal Agencies' Efforts to Address Security Risks]. Available: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-107
[4] White House. (2021). [Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity]. Available: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/05/12/executive-order-on-improving-the-nation-s-cybersecurity/
[5] U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (2021). [Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Amendment]. Available: https://www.cisa.gov/us-cybersecurity-and-infrastructure-security-agency/news/2021/05/26/cisa-announces-final-rule-require-cybersecurity-labels-internet-things-iot-products-sold-federal-government
[6] TechCrunch. (2021). [FCC's Cybersecurity Label for IoT Devices Faces Skepticism]. Available: https://techcrunch.com/2021/05/26/fcc-cybersecurity-label-iot-devices-skepticism/
[7] CyberScoop. (2021). [FCC Announces Cybersecurity Label for IoT Devices]. Available: https://www.cyberscoop.com/fcc-cybersecurity-label-iot-devices/
[8] ZDNet. (2021). [FCC Announces Cybersecurity Label for IoT Devices]. Available: https://www.zdnet.com/article/fcc-announces-cybersecurity-label-for-iot-devices/
[9] Statista. (2020). [Number of connected devices worldwide from 2015 to 2025]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/676751/number-of-connected-devices-worldwide/
The Cyber Trust Mark program, introduced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to combat rising concerns about IoT security by setting specific cybersecurity standards, such as implementing robust data protection methods and passing security tests. This marks an effort to motivate manufacturers to improve product security, potentially raising industry-wide cybersecurity baseline standards.
By earning the Cyber Trust Mark, IoT devices demonstrate their commitment to strong cybersecurity, helping consumers make safer, informed choices. This could include devices that protect against malware and ransomware threats, enhancing overall technology security.
