Biden Administration Announces Cybersecurity Labels for Smart Home Devices
The White House plans to launch an "Energy Star for cyber" labeling program in 2023 to help consumers identify secure IoT devices like routers and smart speakers.
The Biden administration announces a new cybersecurity labeling program for consumer Internet of Things devices that launches in 2023. This initiative aims to protect Americans from significant national security risks by addressing the notoriously weak security postures of connected devices like smart speakers, routers, and security cameras. High-profile vulnerabilities in these products regularly allow malicious hackers to hijack home networks or launch massive botnet attacks.
Inspired by the Energy Star program for energy efficiency, this "Energy Star for cyber" initiative helps consumers easily recognize which devices meet basic cybersecurity standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) devise these baseline security requirements. Tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Samsung attend the National Security Council meeting to discuss the implementation of this new standard.
The new labels take the form of scannable barcodes rather than static paper tags, allowing users to access detailed security information directly on their smartphones. Scanning the code reveals crucial details about the device, including its software updating policies, data encryption practices, and vulnerability remediation processes. The program debuts on high-risk devices like routers and home cameras with a globally recognized design that keeps things simple for everyday consumers.