Fed 'Cyber Trust' Label: Well Meant But Ineffective

Yesterday, the White House introduced a new cybersecurity labeling program aimed at helping Americans make more informed decisions about the security of wireless Internet-connected devices. With the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes—ranging from baby monitors to security cameras—there is growing concern about the security risks these products pose, including vulnerability to hacking. The goal of the new label is to guide consumers toward more secure products and to motivate manufacturers to improve their cybersecurity practices.

Called the "US Cyber Trust Mark," the label has been in the works for some time, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gathering input for over 18 months. The FCC recently authorized the program through a bipartisan vote and announced that 11 vendors will administer the labels, with UL Solutions overseeing the program.

The White House described the effort as a way to educate consumers and offer them an easy way to assess the cybersecurity of their devices. It aims to mirror the success of the EnergyStar label, which helps consumers choose energy-efficient products.

Skepticism About the Program's Effectiveness

Despite the good intentions behind the label, there are concerns about its potential effectiveness. The FCC plans to incorporate QR codes on labeled products that will link to a national registry containing information on each certified device, such as instructions on changing default passwords, configuring secure settings, ensuring automatic updates, and the length of vendor support for device security.

Roger Grimes, a data-driven defense expert at KnowBe4, supports the initiative, particularly its focus on IoT security basics like password changes, patching, and data protection. However, he notes that many of the security practices outlined in the program are merely recommendations, rather than requirements. This includes voluntary participation by manufacturers, which could limit the program's impact. Grimes believes the program would be more effective if key measures, such as mandatory password changes and automatic patching, were required for certification.

The FCC has justified the voluntary nature of the program, citing significant support for a collaborative approach involving government, industry, and other stakeholders.

Concerns Over Consumer Misunderstanding

To use the US Cyber Trust Mark, manufacturers must have their products tested by an FCC-recognized lab to verify compliance with the program's standards. However, because patching is not necessarily automatic, the program places some responsibility on consumers to keep their devices updated.

Grimes highlights the potential for inconsistency in the program, with some IoT manufacturers going above and beyond to make their products secure, while others may meet the bare minimum required for certification. This could lead to a situation where products with the same label may not offer the same level of security.

Additionally, while the label may suggest that a device is secure, it does not guarantee complete protection. Sean Tufts, a cybersecurity expert at Optiv, cautioned that the label could give consumers a false sense of security, leading them to believe their devices are "unhackable." He emphasized that consumers still have a responsibility to take extra security measures, such as changing default passwords and keeping software updated.