US Cyber Trust Mark launches as the Energy Star of smart home security

The US government has launched the US Cyber Trust Mark, a label that indicates a smart home device meets certain standards for cybersecurity. The label is similar to the Energy Star label, which denotes energy efficiency, and is meant to give consumers confidence in the security of their devices. The standards cover software updates, data security, and access control, among other things. Companies can voluntarily apply for the label by having their products tested by an accredited lab recognized by the Federal Communications Commission. The label can be applied to Internet of Things devices such as smart appliances, home security cameras, fitness trackers, and baby monitors. Products with the Cyber Trust Mark are expected to be on shelves by the end of the year. The government hopes the label will incentivize companies to improve their cybersecurity standards and give consumers confidence in the security of their devices. The launch of the label is the result of a bipartisan effort and has received support from companies such as Amazon and Best Buy. The Federal Communications Commission has conditionally approved 11 companies to review applications for the label. The goal of the program is to ensure that consumers can trust that their devices are secure and that companies have an incentive to prioritize cybersecurity.