White House Launches IoT Cybersecurity Labeling Program

The Biden administration has launched its long-awaited Cyber Trust Mark, a cybersecurity labeling program for IoT devices.

The program is being established to offer greater transparency around the security of connected devices, giving these items cybersecurity certifications to provide consumers with greater insight into the potential threats.

Officials have likened the scheme to the energy star rating given to different home appliances, with the Trust Mark to be a shield logo appearing on certified devices, identifying those with defenses such as password protection and regular security software updates.

Items will also display a QR code that consumers can scan for additional information.

Several major tech players are partnering with the White House for the program, including Amazon, Google, LG and Samsung. Devices set to be impacted by the ruling include fitness trackers, home assistants and security cameras, as well as community-wide devices such as climate monitoring systems.

The Federal Communications Commission, which is overseeing the project, said it will “seek public comment” before rolling out the labeling program. It is currently applying to register a national trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The program is expected to be up and running by 2024.