Biden administration to put labels on smart devices in effort to increase cybersecurity

The Biden administration said Tuesday it will start putting labels on some smart devices to tell buyers they have passed cybersecurity standards. 

The project is being led by the Federal Communication Commission, in partnership with major technology corporations.

The White House has named the label or seal the "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark."

Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger says the program will “allow Americans to confidently identify which internet and Bluetooth-connected devices are cyber secure."

The program, which companies volunteer to join, applies to internet-connected devices such as baby monitors, refrigerators, TVs, microwaves and home security cameras.

To earn the label, a product would have meet the requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

"The goal of the program is to provide tools for consumers to make informed decisions about the relative security of products they choose to bring into their homes," the White House also said. 

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says the mark will give consumers “peace of mind” and benefit manufacturers whose products adhere to criteria set by the NIST.

Manufacturers and retailers who have decided to comply with meeting the standard include Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech and Samsung Electronics.

Among the standards the NIST set to increase cybersecurity are requirements for unique and strong default passwords, protection of data, software updates, and capabilities which detect incidents.

The administration expects to have the program fully operational by 2024.