Current:Home > NewsBiden administration unveils new "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark" consumer label for smart home devices -Zenith Profit Hub
Biden administration unveils new "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark" consumer label for smart home devices
View
Date:2025-04-27 14:44:25
That new smart device you've been eyeing for your home may soon come with a label that includes information about whether it meets U.S. cybersecurity standards.
On Tuesday, the White House unveiled the "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark," which 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 new consumer labeling effort is being compared to the "Energy Star" label that describes a product's energy efficiency. The Energy Star program has been in place since 1992, with thousands of utilities, state and local goverments and other organizations involved, and the program's website claims over 90% of American households recognize the label.
The White House is hoping the new shield-shaped label will gain similar traction with American consumers amid growing concern over security vulnerabilities that exist among "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices. Officials worry hackers or nation states could seek to exploit vulnerabilities in smart home devices to steal personal data or wreak havoc on computer systems. The overall purpose of the program is to inform consumers about the security of the smart devices, like baby monitors, smart door locks, smart TVs and thermostats. The voluntary program offers an incentive for IoT companies to beef up security for their devices, but experts warn the label alone isn't enough.
"You can't slap a label on a smart device and think you've solved cybersecurity [issues]," said Justin Sherman who is a non-resident fellow for the Atlantic Council's Cyber Statecraft Initiative. "You're never going to have a perfectly secure device ever. And these technologies always change, [so] even the label — you're going to have to update the label."
Sherman added that the labeling program could create an incentive for more companies to join. The cybersecurity labeling effort is voluntary, and so far, major tech giants like Google, Amazon, LG Electronics U.S.A, Samsung, Logitech and electronics retailer Best Buy are participating in the program. The White House says 20 companies have joined the effort, which was spurred by executive action from the Biden administration in 2021.
The cyber trust mark program will undergo a formal Federal Communications Commission rule-making process and the White House expects the labels to start rolling out in late 2024.
Willie James InmanWillie James Inman is a White House reporter for CBS News based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (1556)
Related
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- VA Suicide hotline botched vet's cry for help. The service hasn't suitably saved texts for 10 years.
- Taco Bell employee accused of using customer credit cards to make fraudulent purchases
- Browns star Nick Chubb to undergo surgery on season-ending knee injury; Kareem Hunt in for visit
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- UN urges Afghanistan’s Taliban government to stop torture and protect the rights of detainees
- Pepsi and Madonna share never-before-seen commercial that was canceled 34 years go
- Vanna White Officially Extends Wheel of Fortune Contract
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- 'Heartbroken': Dartmouth football coach Buddy Teevens dies at 66 from bike accident injuries
Ranking
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Kraft recalling American cheese slices due to possible choking hazard
- Why Tyra Banks Is Skipping the Plastic Surgery Stuff Ahead of Her 50th Birthday
- Tunisian president’s remarks on Storm Daniel have been denounced as antisemitic and prompt an uproar
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Band director shocked with stun gun, arrested after refusing to stop performance, police say
- What will Federal Reserve do next? Any hint of future rate hikes will be key focus of latest meeting
- Climate change made storm that devastated Libya far more likely and intense, scientists say
Recommendation
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
'Heartbroken': Dartmouth football coach Buddy Teevens dies at 66 from bike accident injuries
Peace Tea, but with alcohol: New line of hard tea flavors launched in the Southeast
Israel’s Netanyahu to meet with Biden in New York. The location is seen as a sign of US displeasure
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow auction off Zooms, artwork to aid crew members amid Hollywood strikes
An American man is killed in a rafting accident in Slovenia, and two others are injured
Up to 8,000 minks are on the loose in Pennsylvania after being released from fur farm