Updated labels to assist users in choosing devices with reduced hacking vulnerabilities.

WASHINGTON — The federal government has announced a new consumer labeling initiative aimed at assisting Americans in selecting smart devices that are less susceptible to hacking threats.

Under this optional program known as the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Initiative, manufacturers will have the option to apply a special label to their products that comply with established federal cybersecurity criteria. This label will be available for various internet-connected devices, such as baby monitors, home security cameras, fitness trackers, refrigerators, and a range of other smart appliances.

The labels will not only feature a unique shield logo but will also include QR codes that consumers can scan for detailed information regarding the device’s security status. Products with this label are expected to hit the market later this year as manufacturers start the approval process, as stated by Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger during a press briefing.

“It provides consumers with a straightforward method to verify whether devices like home alarm systems or baby monitors are secure from cyber threats,” Neuberger noted, highlighting that the typical American household now has an average of 21 internet-connected devices, each posing a potential risk for cyberattacks.

Industry giants such as Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics USA, Logitech, and Samsung are among those participating in this initiative. While the program is not mandatory, it aims to help consumers identify trustworthy brands. By scanning the QR code, they can access additional cybersecurity information, including whether the manufacturer offers software updates to address emerging cyber threats, according to Justin Brookman, who serves as the director of technology policy at Consumer Reports.

The labels were initially proposed by the Biden administration 18 months ago and received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last year, the agency responsible for overseeing this initiative. Recently, the FCC chose 11 companies and organizations tasked with determining the technical specifications for products that will carry these labels.

Officials liken the new cybersecurity labels to the Energy Star program, which evaluates the energy efficiency of appliances. The goal is to provide consumers with more information about their purchases while also motivating manufacturers to bolster their cybersecurity measures.

The rise of smart devices has run parallel to an increase in cybercrime, where a single vulnerable device can grant cybercriminals an alarming foothold into a household network.