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FCC Proposes Cyber Trust Mark for Gadgets
30 Oct
Summary
- FCC unveiled proposed rules for a voluntary device security program.
- The Cyber Trust Mark will resemble nutrition labels for electronics.
- Certification will require renewal every three years.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released proposed rules for a voluntary connected-device security program, the US Cyber Trust Mark. This initiative aims to give consumers more confidence in the security of their smart devices. The labeling requirements will be similar to the nutrition-style disclosures already mandated for broadband providers, detailing data collection, update longevity, and automatic update availability.
The program builds upon previous security standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Consumer Technology Association. Manufacturers will need to renew device certifications every three years, and the FCC may conduct ad-hoc surveillance. This much-needed security baseline for connected-home hardware has been in development for over three years. Despite some initial setbacks, including a change in administrator, the program is now moving forward with a target launch in the fall of 2027.
