The White House announced on Tuesday a new certification system for internet-connected devices that aims to notify consumers when household products comply with specific cybersecurity criteria validated by government standards.
The Cyber Trust Mark functions similarly to the Energy Star certification that validates device energy consumption levels. The cybersecurity label has been under preparation for several months, with collaboration from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Communications Commission.
In the previous month, officials selected UL Solutions, a testing organization, as the primary overseer of the initiative. A group of ten additional organizations were chosen as secondary administrators shortly after. The program has been in the works for months and has generated significant anticipation since the White House began hinting at its launch throughout the previous year.
Leading retailers including Amazon and Best Buy will assist in raising consumer awareness about locating the label on devices, according to Deputy National Security Director for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger’s Tuesday briefing with reporters.
“We anticipate labeled products will be available in stores by 2025,” she stated.
The visual certification will appear in various colors on consumer products, based on their appearance and style, but will center around a shield emblem representing certification under NIST-developed cybersecurity standards indicating safer home integration.
The certification will be incorporated into an upcoming cybersecurity executive order expected this week. The order will mandate federal agencies to acquire devices bearing the cyber mark by 2027, Neuberger noted.
“We aim to demonstrate through major technology purchases by the U.S. government that this is how we enhance security in the internet of things marketplace,” she explained.
Neuberger will also participate alongside FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel at CES 2025 in Las Vegas to discuss the certification on Thursday. They will urge companies to submit their products for evaluation under the certification program.
