Manufacturers can use the label on their products if they meet federal cybersecurity standards under the new US Cyber Trust Mark Initiative, according to the Associated Press. Fitness trackers, refrigerators and other internet-connected appliances sold in the US are among the devices eligible for labels.
The White House first announced the Cyber Trust Mark labels last year and the Federal Communications Commission finalized the details in March, clearing a pathway for launch. Labels used as part of the voluntary cybersecurity certification programme will include QR codes that consumers can scan for security information about their devices.
Officials have likened the labels to the Energy Star program, which rates appliances’ energy efficiency, and say the idea is to empower consumers while also encouraging manufacturers to enhance their cybersecurity, noted the AP news.