White House Announces Launch of Cyber Trust Mark Program
On Tuesday, January 7th, the White House announced that the U.S. will begin launching the Cyber Trust Mark program to label internet-connected products like baby monitors, home security cameras, and fitness trackers that adhere to basic cybersecurity standards. This voluntary initiative is designed to encourage tech companies to prioritize security and provide consumers with confidence in, and assistance in identifying, secure devices. To receive the Cyber Trust Mark, companies may petition to have their products audited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to ensure they meet the security standards set by the NIST, indicating that the products are less susceptible to malicious hacking and the subsequent disclosure of consumer personal information.
As part of the initiative, the Cyber Trust Mark will be accompanied by a QR code that consumers can scan using a smartphone, taking consumers to a registry for information with easy-to-understand details about the security of the applicable product, including whether software patches and security updates are automatic or require manual downloads.
Several major retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon, have endorsed the initiative. The program, overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, will extend to federal agencies, requiring them to use Cyber Trust Mark-approved products exclusively by 2027.
Pryor Cashman’s Data Privacy + Cybersecurity attorneys can assist your business in procuring a Cyber Trust Mark and are available to answer any questions you may have about the initiative.
