Have you Seen the New U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Label Yet?

Great. Is this another case of the government mucking about in cyber-world? Not in this instance.

What is the US cyber trust mark?

It's not a new regulation and is completely voluntary. It simply signifies that a smart device meets certain standards for cybersecurity. Let’s take a close look at what The Cyber Trust Mark is all about. It’s a new smart device label created by the US government to prove that a device is safe. Internet of Things (IOT) devices have risen in popularity recently.

Devices like smart thermostats and baby monitors make our lives easier, but also open us up to cyber threats, and hackers are finding them to be vulnerabilities to exploit.

Worldwide, there were over 112 million IoT cyber-attacks in 2022, and this number has continued to grow. With an increase in AI-powered attacks, an 82% increase was expected in 2024. The United States FCC (Federal Communications Commission) created new standards to confirm the safety of a device.

Now when you go device shopping, you will begin to see a shield with the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark. Let's take a look at what this means and how you can use this new feature next time you make a purchase.

Every day, more smart devices pour into the marketplace for use in our homes to offices. Yet, some devices are still insecure, leaving openings for hackers to steal our info and spy on us. In 2023, TVs, smart plugs, and digital video recorders had the most IoT vulnerabilities and attacks. Many more types of devices may be dangerous without our knowledge.

The Cyber Trust Mark addresses this problem, much the way the Energy Star label let us know which appliances were more energy efficient. It will tell you which device is safe. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can purchase with confidence.

How Does a Device Get the Cyber Trust Mark?

First, a company has to apply to get the mark. The device is for testing, and if its cybersecurity measures pass, it gets the mark. The company can then put the mark on the box of the device.

This requires time and costs, but it’s worth it for businesses. It can help them sell more devices with an increase in consumer trust.

First, a device has to undergo tests to verify its security. These tests cover several points and examine things like:

Password strength

Data protection

Software updates

Just like everything in our cyber lives, the device should have strong passwords. Weak passwords are easily guessed by hackers, making this one of the most common ways cybercriminals hack into devices. Next, the device should keep your information safe. It should use appropriate methods to lock up your data for privacy and security.

Just like your desktop or laptop, the device should also be regularly updated, which includes security patches guarding against the newest threats. Devices with frequent updates are always going to be more secure than others.

How Often are the Standards That Define the Cyber Trust Mark Updated?

While there is currently no set timetable, it is a work in progress. The standards which define the qualifications for the Cyber Trust Mark are regularly reviewed and updated to keep pace with evolving technology and new cyber threats. The government will update the standards to address new threats and ensure they promote strong security measures, and retesting of devices may be required to confirm they still meet the standards.

When Will We See the Cyber Trust Mark?

While it is still new, the mark will start showing up on devices soon. They want stores to start using it immediately, meaning the next time we go shopping, we may see it. Many types of smart devices may obtain the Cyber Trust Mark, including but not limited to the following:

Smart TVs

Smart speakers

Security cameras

Smart thermostats

Smart locks

Why this is good for the consumer:

The Cyber Trust Mark makes shopping simpler, because it doesn’t require any technical knowledge. All you have to do is look for the mark to confirm which device is safe, then it’s a matter of choosing the best safe device for your needs and budget.

There has never been any impetus for manufacturers to include heightened cybersecurity in their devices, but the mark encourages companies to make safer devices. They want the mark, so they work harder at security.

What About Devices That Don’t Have the Mark?

That doesn’t necessarily mean it's not safe – it may mean the manufacturer has not applied for the mark. In this case, you should look into its safety features. You may also ask the store or check online for more information.

It's best to choose devices that carry the mark whenever possible. Then you can be sure they have passed important safety tests.

What About the Smart Devices You Already Have?

Don't worry, there may be no need to replace them. You can still take steps to make them safer, even without the trust mark.

Here are some tips:

Change default passwords

Keep the software updated

Turn off features you don't use

Use a strong Wi-Fi password

Follow these steps to help protect your devices and your info.

What’s the Future of Smart Device Safety?

While the Cyber Trust Mark is a big step for device safety, it's just the beginning. We'll see more changes in the future. These may include:

Stricter standards for the mark

More types of devices getting the mark

Better ways to test device safety

Ultimately, the goal is to make all our smart devices safer to protect our info and our privacy. For now, the mark will only apply within the U.S., but other countries may create something similar in the future.

Be Smart and Stay Safe

The Cyber Trust Mark is an important step in helping us in make better informed choices; it's an easy way to know what devices are safe. When you shop, look for the mark. It's your sign of a trustworthy device.