The U.S. government is officially launching the Cyber Trust Mark, a cybersecurity labeling program for consumer IoT devices, similar to the ENERGY STAR label for energy efficiency, that certifies that a device meets a set of baseline cybersecurity standards.
Now, device makers can officially begin applying for the mark, which will show consumers that the devices meets the criteria that has largely been pulled from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The program’s launch has been a long time coming, as it was first announced in July 2023 and sent through a long public comment period and official processes designed to establish the program’s rules and designate which entities have jurisdiction. The Federal Communications Commission has approved 11 companies as Cybersecurity Label Administrators, with UL solutions as the Lead Administrator. The agency approved the program in March 2024.
Manufacturers can test their products against the established criteria via compliance testing by accredited labs to earn the label, which is designed to help consumers make more informed decisions when purchasing IoT devices.
The program has the support of several noteworthy U.S. IoT manufacturers, such as Amazon, Google, LG, Samsung, Logitech, and others. In the custom home integration market, industry giant Crestron has also signaled its support for the program, calling it a rising tide that will lift all boats.”
Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.
Industry group CEDIA has even urged the FCC to consider the role of integrators in the program, saying integrators can also help mitigate security risks in IoT systems.
Other smart home industry groups to send input to the FCC included the Consumer Technology Association and Connectivity Standards Alliance, both of which urged the government to keep the program voluntary.
The FCC listened and did keep it voluntary, but the hope is that manufacturers will apply for the mark, and consumer will in turn begin to look for it when buying devices.
Amazon is one company all but sure to apply for the mark, with Vice President Steve Downer signaling the company’s backing of the program in comments released by the White House. The company will also likely highlight labeled products on its e-commerce platform, Downer suggested.
“Amazon supports the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark’s goal to strengthen consumer trust in connected devices. We believe consumers will value seeing the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark both on product packaging and while shopping online. We look forward to collaborating with industry partners and the government on consumer education efforts and implementation strategies,” Downer said.
Anne Neuberger, the Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies in the White House, will be at CES 2025 to discuss the Cyber Trust Mark in a session on Thursday at 11 a.m. Additionally, readers can visit the official site to find out more information on the standard.
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