Feds Launch IoT Cyber Trust Mark

Soon you will start seeing this VOLUNTARY cyber trust on connected IoT devices from baby monitors, smart appliances to cameras to all sorts of things.

The FCC created this program and it is likely that responsible manufacturers will sign up for it.

The FCC is outsourcing the administration of this program to Underwriters Laboratory (UL), the same folks that certify devices that plug into the wall as safe, so they have a LOT of experience running programs like this. UL was trying to set up its own program like this for years, but they just don’t have the clout of the US Federal Government.

Devices with this logo will have a QR code you can scan to take you to a website with information about the product’s cybersecurity details.

The website will also tell you when support will end and whether patches will be automatically installed.

The FCC will bring it’s clout to create a bidirectional recognition by foreign countries.

Companies that are banned in the US, like Huawei, are not eligible.

While the FCC owns the mark and the program and UL will administer the program, a company can use any accredited cyber testing lab to meet the requirements. UL and the FCC will not be doing testing.

It appears like the specifics of what a company has to do to meet the requirements are still under development, but the plan is to have the standard released this year.

Compared to the UL security seal, this one should be a lot more affordable for small companies.

Credit/Details: FCC

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