The US Cyber Trust Mark Program, designed as an Energy Star–style certification for smart home security, faces an uncertain future following the announcement that safety testing company UL Solutions is stepping down as its lead administrator. The move comes shortly after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated an investigation into the program’s ties to China.
While the Cyber Trust Mark Program has not been officially terminated, the departure of its lead administrator has left it in a state of limbo. This development follows a pattern of security-related initiatives being scrutinized by the FCC, including the rollback of cybersecurity regulations for telecom companies established post the 2024 Salt Typhoon hack and the review of testing labs, resulting in the decertification of labs situated in China.
The Cyber Trust Mark Program, introduced in 2023 under the Biden administration, aimed to certify smart home devices adhering to specific cybersecurity standards. Approved products were set to feature a shield icon on their packaging, similar to the Energy Star label. Despite being unveiled at CES 2025, the certification mark has yet to be seen on any products. The FCC has not provided immediate comments on the future of the program.
Source: The Verge
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