The increasing reliance on IoT devices in homes and businesses has improved efficiency but also introduced numerous cybersecurity risks. As more smart devices connect to networks, the need for stronger security becomes critical.
Fortunately, as technology advances, cybersecurity follows…
The White House declared the launch of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program—an initiative designed to enhance security standards for smart devices. The program currently focuses on consumer IoT, but the certification is expected to influence BPA in the future, paving the way for new standards in business process automation and cybersecurity.
What is Cyber Trust Mark?
The Cyber Trust Mark is a voluntary certification by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). It’s issued to IoT devices that meet rigorous cybersecurity standards. For now, the focus is on wireless consumer IoT products. It doesn't include PCs, smartphones, and routers. Moreover, products used for manufacturing, industrial control, or enterprise applications are not included, meaning Cyber Trust Mark cannot yet be used to secure automated business processes.
The criteria for getting U.S. Cyber Trust Mark follow the standards for IoT products set out in 2022 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). By the end of 2025, the first devices with the new mark will be on the shelves, proving the value of Cyber Trust Mark for digital transformation.
Why is Cyber Trust Mark Important?
Cyber Trust Mark certification for businesses helps to earn the market's trust. Large electronics retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Google have stated they will feature devices with the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.
This new certification will become increasingly important as the White House develops an executive order to ensure the U.S. government can only buy products with the Cyber Trust Mark label starting in 2027.
How Does Cyber Trust Mark Work?
To earn Cyber Trust Mark, a device must pass a structured certification process and meet cybersecurity compliance in process automation.
Key Cybersecurity Standards for Cyber Trust Mark
Strong (Default) Passwords - Devices must generate unique, randomized default passwords that have at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, manufacturers must prevent hardcoded passwords and remind users to change credentials upon first use.
Secure Software Updates - Certified devices must support cryptographically signed firmware updates using secure hashing algorithms (e.g., SHA-256) and public key cryptography (e.g., RSA-2048 or ECC-256). The update process should include Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2 or higher) to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, rollback protection prevents the installation of outdated firmware versions.
Data Encryption - All data transmitted over networks must be encrypted using AES-256 for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit. PFS ensures that past communications remain safe even if a cryptographic key is compromised. Secure key storage solutions like HSMs or TPMs should be utilized to protect encryption keys from unwanted access.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Devices with remote access must implement at least two authentication factors, such as password and TOTP or biometric verification. Use of open standards like FIDO2/WebAuthn for passwordless authentication is encouraged where possible. For administrative interfaces, especially cloud-connected IoT ecosystems, MFA is mandatory.
Incident Detection and Response - Devices must have real-time anomaly detection mechanisms and threat response capabilities that monitor unauthorized login attempts, unexpected network traffic, configuration changes, disabling compromised accounts, and alerting administrators
Cyber Trust Mark QR Code
If you are curious about how Cyber Trust Mark enhances digital trust post-purchase, the answer lies in a QR code that comes with every device. It lets users check FCC compliance, learn how to change default passwords, configure security settings, determine update methods, and view the product's support expiration date.
Key Benefits of Cyber Trust Mark
Cyber Trust Mark boosts security for both businesses and consumers. Below are the key advantages for each group.
For Consumers
- Verified Security - The certification shows that a device meets cybersecurity standards.
- Informed Choices - The QR code allows real-time security checks and updates.
- Long-Term Protection - Certified devices offer higher defense against evolving threats.
For Businesses
- Competitive Advantage - Helps to earn the trust of security-conscious customers.
- Cyber Trust Mark benefits for BPA companies Encourages safer IoT implementation in business automation.
- Regulatory Readiness - Following Cyber Trust Mark standards may help with staying ahead of potential future cybersecurity regulations.
Yet, nothing is flawless, so we have to address the challenges and limitations of Cyber Trust Mark.
Challenges & Limitations
What happens when every smart device on the market gets Cyber Trust Mark? What if IoT device manufacturers decide that they’ll do just enough to get Cyber Trust Mark and stop there since the average customer will see the label and trust the device is safe? Of course, having a trust mark surely helps… But suppose companies prioritize earning Cyber Trust Mark higher than the overall safety of their devices, instead of the new foundation for cyber security. In that case, the FCC’s trust mark might become the goal. That might leave blind spots in workflows or home networks.
Another problem might be the trust users, especially in private environments, put into smart devices with Cyber Trust Mark. Some might think that getting a device with a green shield label is all they have to do to keep their privacy and data safe. Of course, that’s far from the truth because cyber threats evolve rapidly. Just because a device has the mark it doesn’t mean it’s immune to cyberattacks.
Conclusion
As IoT adoption continues to grow, cybersecurity risks become a critical concern for both individuals and businesses. Cyber Trust Mark helps consumers make informed choices while encouraging businesses to prioritize security in their IoT offerings.
Also, automated workflows become increasingly dependent on IoT devices so ensuring secure business automation with Cyber Trust Mark certificated devices might become essential to maintaining operational integrity and preventing cyber threats. Obtaining Cyber Trust Mark will likely assist in complying with evolving cybersecurity regulations.
However, it does not guarantee complete security, and businesses must remain proactive in updating and monitoring their devices. Ongoing cybersecurity measures, user awareness, and regulatory advancements are necessary to stay ahead of emerging threats.
