Biden Administration and Major Tech Players Launch U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Initiative to Improve Smart Device Security

The Biden administration and major consumer technology players have launched an effort to put a nationwide cybersecurity certification and labeling program in place to help consumers choose smart devices that are less vulnerable to hacking. The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark initiative, to be overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, is similar to the Energy Star program, which has been in place since 1992 and is recognized by over 90% of American households.

The new program is aimed at making it easier for consumers to determine if a smart home product and its connections meet certain cybersecurity criteria set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark label will provide information about whether a device meets U.S. cybersecurity standards.

The initiative is voluntary and will involve the participation of thousands of utilities, state and local governments, and other organizations. The White House has yet to provide details on how the program will be implemented, but it is expected to be rolled out in the coming months.

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is an important step in helping consumers make informed decisions about the security of their smart devices. It will also help ensure that manufacturers are held to a higher standard when it comes to cybersecurity. The program is expected to be a major boon for consumer protection and cybersecurity.