- The voluntary program will be a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors
- The commission is developing the mark to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions
The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) is accepting applications to serve as administrators for its voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for wireless consumer Internet of Things (IoT) products.
The program, under the agency’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, will allow qualifying consumer smart products that meet critical cybersecurity standards to display a label, including a new U.S. government certification mark (“U.S Cyber Trust Mark”). The commission is developing the mark to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, easily identify trustworthy products, and encourage manufacturers to prioritize higher cybersecurity standards.
This voluntary program will be a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. The FCC will oversee the process and authorized third-party administrators managing activities such as evaluating product applications, granting permission to use the label, and educating consumers.
Need for Mark
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the program is need as consumers live in a world where more and more devices in your home require an internet connection.
“But these smart devices that make our lives easier and more convenient must also be protected from bringing malware and other kinds of malicious activity into your home,” said Rosenworcel in a press statement with the announcement. “That is why the FCC is taking the next step in getting our Cyber Trust Mark program up and running as quickly as possible.”
In March, the federal agency established a framework for a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for wireless consumer IoT products, which will include the use of third-party administrators selected by the Commission to support the program.
Details of Program
Cybersecurity labeling administrators (CLAs) will be authorized by the commission to certify the use of the FCC IoT Label by manufacturers whose products comply with the commission’s IoT cybersecurity labeling program rules. A Lead Administrator will be selected as well to act as a liaison between the commission and CLAs, conduct stakeholder outreach to identify/develop and recommend technical standards and testing procedures, and collaborate with CLAs, the FCC, and other stakeholders to develop and execute a consumer education campaign.
“This label will help empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions while providing incentives for companies to make their products more secure,” said Rosenworcel.
Interested parties can file applications to serve in these roles within the program. The public notice with more information about program qualifications, the application process, and other key details is available here.