The Biden Administration has proposed a new program to combat cyber-attacks through smart home devices amid growing concerns among consumers that these products allow hackers an access point into the home. According to a recent study conducted by Parks Associates, “72 percent of smart home product owners are concerned with the security of personal data collected by their devices.”
Cybersecurity is a very real threat to smart devices since these products are connected to the internet. In fact, according to an article from CBS News, “smart homes can experience up to 12,000 hacking attempts in a week.” Consumers are concerned about data breaches and safety in their own homes because these smart devices are susceptible to hacking.
The Biden Administration appears to be listening to these concerns. On July 18, 2023, The White House Briefing Room shared that a new cybersecurity certification/labeling program is in the works called the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” that will provide certification for devices that meet a higher standard of cybersecurity safety. The program is in the works and should be fully functional in 2024. The FCC is currently working on a national trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Several manufacturers have gotten on board and voiced commitments to raise their cybersecurity standards, along with the commitment to participate by major retailers such as Amazon, Google, and Samsung. This means that manufacturers will increase their cybersecurity and, as a result, be able to receive a “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.” This is a way for retailers to see what manufacturers have taken the extra step to secure their products against cyber attacks.
The goal of this certification is to help consumers make choices. However, this is an excellent way for retailers to stay accountable and stock their shelves with safer products. This is a major step towards creating cyber-secure home devices and lowering the risk of hacking.
