To provide customers with more information about the cybersecurity of the Internet of Things (IoT)-connected products they purchase, the Consumer Technology Association joined the Federal Communications Commission, National Security Council and National Institute of Standards and Technology officials on July 18, 2023, for the launch of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, according to a July 18 release from the CTA. This announcement is a shining example of what successful public-private collaboration can achieve. The recommendations provided by CTA during the previous five years served as the foundation for this statement.
“While walking CES this year, I saw IoT products that improve healthcare, transportation and energy efficiency. While IoT makes our world better, it also tempts bad actors to exploit consumers’ connected devices,” CTA president and CEO Gary Shapiro said in the release.
According to the release, the announcement made July 18 is a shining illustration of what successful public-private collaboration can achieve. The recommendations provided by CTA during the previous five years served as the foundation for this statement. The scheme is based on a dynamic, voluntary product certification mechanism that mandates specified security measures from manufacturers. This accreditation will assist in informing customers and businesses about new connected items they are considering or buying. As demonstrated by its recent work with businesses and the FDA to provide over-the-counter hearing aids to tens of millions of Americans, CTA has a demonstrated track record of fostering and directing public-private collaborations. The FCC will begin the rule-making process to support the Cyber Trust initiative in the upcoming days. At CES 2024, customers can anticipate seeing certified items, according to the release.
Manufacturers, alliances, universities, consumer advocates and CTA's own ANSI-recognized standards body will continue to be invited by CTA to collaborate with federal officials on the creation of the program's final rules. The CTA will demonstrate that government and businesses can work together to improve incentives for participation and guarantee that manufacturers and merchants embrace this crucial program as the FCC works to set up the Cyber Trust Mark program in its capacity as the voice of the tech sector.
“CTA’s work created the foundation for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark to help consumers identify secure products. This program will minimize label footprint on packaging while allowing for flexibility in displaying web pages for specific security parameters to consumers for participating devices,” Michael Bergman, Vice President, Technology and Standards CTA, said.
A trade-show-style exposition showcasing the most recent technologies in internet-connected consumer goods, including TVs, washing machines and a variety of household appliances, was part of today's announcement and was held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, according to the release.
