FCC to Vote on Cybersecurity Labeling Program for Smart Devices

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for internet of things devices on March 14. 

Under the program, manufacturers of products that rely on internet connectivity, such as home security cameras, voice-activated shopping devices and garage door openers, can opt to undergo FCC evaluation to determine whether their IoT offerings comply with cybersecurity standards, the FCC said.

Products that passed compliance testing would be eligible to feature the Cyber Trust Mark logo, which includes a QR code that consumers can scan to access security information about a product, including software patches and security updates.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the program aims to ensure consumers purchase secure smart products and encourage IoT device manufacturers to sell items that meet higher cybersecurity standards.

The proposed program would address the increasing number of cyberattacks on IoT devices. According to a third-party organization, 1.5 billion IoT-related attacks were recorded in the first half of 2021.