New U.S. Government Seal of Approval Aims to Protect Consumers from Unsecured Devices
In a world where connected devices have become a common part of our lives, concerns about security and privacy have also grown. The nightmare stories of hackers infiltrating baby monitors and cars have raised alarms about the vulnerability of these devices. However, a new U.S. government initiative seeks to address these concerns by introducing a seal of approval that will help consumers identify which gadgets are secure and which ones may put their safety at risk.
The Cyber Trust Mark, unveiled by the White House, will serve as a label on gadget boxes, indicating that the product meets key security and privacy standards. The mark will be run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and will be voluntary for gadget manufacturers. The goal is to encourage the industry to prioritize security and privacy to compete in the market.
While the initiative is promising, some experts are skeptical about its effectiveness. Director of technology policy for Consumer Reports, Justin Brookman, sees the Cyber Trust Mark as a way to promote good practices and encourage better behavior from gadget makers. However, the details of the program are yet to be announced, including the minimum standards that products must meet to qualify for the seal.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel acknowledges the importance of setting specific standards but also points out that regulations need to align with existing laws. Waiting for new laws to be passed can take a significant amount of time, and the number of smart devices is growing rapidly. The Cyber Trust Mark serves as an interim solution to address the immediate security concerns while regulations catch up.
One concern raised by experts is the involvement of the industry in setting the standards. Given the industry’s track record of negligence towards data security, there is skepticism about whether they would push for high standards. The details, such as the duration of mandatory security updates and accessibility to encrypted data, will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the seal.
Another issue is the absence of major tech companies at the launch of the initiative. Amazon and Samsung have committed to the program, but Apple, the largest consumer tech company in the United States, did not make an appearance. The final standard must prioritize privacy and include user testing to ensure its effectiveness.
While the exact timeline for implementing the Cyber Trust Mark is uncertain, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel hopes to have systems in place by the end of 2024. The initiative is a step towards addressing the security and privacy concerns surrounding connected devices. By providing consumers with an easily identifiable seal of approval, the Cyber Trust Mark aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions and protect their personal information.