FCC Adopts U.S. Cyber Trust Mark on Voluntary Cybersecurity Labeling

The Federal Communications Commission has announced the adoption of a new “U.S Cyber Trust Mark” to help consumers determine trustworthy internet of things products.

The label is the certification mark for the voluntary cybersecurity labeling program that the FCC members voted to create on Thursday. Under the program, consumer smart products passing cybersecurity standards will bear the certification logo, which will also encourage manufacturers to follow higher cybersecurity benchmarks, the FCC said Thursday.

The commission added that the certification label comes with a QR code for consumers to scan information on a product’s security features, such as product support software patches and security updates. Certification-eligible products may include voice-activated shopping devices, internet-linked home appliances and fitness trackers, the FCC noted.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program to certify products complying with National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity guidelines associated with data security, software updates and incident detection. 

The FCC earlier applied with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the registration of the national cybersecurity trademark.