A huge win for the cybersecurity community as well as for the security of all consumers. The FCC now must approve for Internet of Things (IoT) devices to meet security standards with the new Cyber Trust Mark.
What is the Cyber Trust Mark? The Cyber Trust Mark is a new marking that IoT devices can Voluntarily agree to getting. This marking means that the device was sent to the FCC and inspected to meet high end security qualifications. If the IoT device has a FCC Cyber Trust Mark, this means that the devise is confirmed to be secure.
You will be able to scan a QR code on the sticker or device to take you to a specification page. This page will tell you more about this device, as well as security related options such as how to securely change the password or the security of the product.
Why This is Important This is important because it is well known that IoT devices have some of the weakest security of all consumer devices. IoT devices are typically susceptible to various hacking methods putting your home network, security and private information at risk.
When you buy a cheap security camera, you may be opening your home network to attack. The camera could allow malicious actors to gain access to your home network, steal all your private data and even compromise your social media accounts. This can happen either remotely, nearby or the camera itself may have malware in it. While these are not very likely to happen to you, it is still a possibility that people have had to deal with.
Now, instead of wondering if a device is secure, you can see if it is FCC secured. This allows for a much easier and trusted method to protecting your security.
What Devices are Affected
The FCC says not all devices will be affected by this new trust program. Certain devices will be exempt such as vehicles, medical devices, and banned products. Also IoT devices are not required to get the Cyber Trust Mark. This is a voluntary program for IoT devices.
How to Apply This for Your Security
Now when shopping for devices online or in person, look for a Cyber Trust Mark, or FCC Logo of some sort. It should also have a QR code to link to more security about the product. If the product does not have this logo, it may not have applied, be exempt or was rejected.
For your safety you may avoid IoT devices without this marking.
Top companies are likely to apply for the Cyber Trust Mark to establish trust for their brand. This will be a clear indicator the device is safe to use.
Additional Info
The Cyber Trust Mark framework was established in March 2024.
The White House announced the Launch of the Cyber Trust Program January 7th 2025.
References
Lakshmanan, R. (2025, Jan 8). FCC Launches 'Cyber Trust Mark' for IoT Devices to Certify Security Compliance. The Hacker News. https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/fcc-launches-cyber-trust-mark-for-iot.html
The White House. (2025, Jan 7). White House Launches “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark”, Providing American Consumers an Easy Label to See if Connected Devices are Cybersecure. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/07/white-house-launches-u-s-cyber-trust-mark-providing-american-consumers-an-easy-label-to-see-if-connected-devices-are-cybersecure/
Federal Communications Commission. (n.d). U.S. Cyber Trust Mark. FCC. https://www.fcc.gov/CyberTrustMark
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