The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has announced a new program to identify smart devices that are better equipped to resist internet attacks. The effort is designed to help the public decide which devices in the marketplace carry the best protection against possible cyberattacks. The program will issue a U.S. Cyber Trust Mark to the most protected devices, the administration said in a statement Tuesday. The effort will be carried out by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The goal of the program is to provide tools for consumers to make informed decisions about the relative security of products they choose to bring into their homes, the statement added. FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel explained the program would cover a wide range of smart devices including climate control systems, televisions, microwaves and fitness trackers. Such devices are part of the internet of things, which officials warn could present increased cybersecurity threats. Several manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to increase cybersecurity for the products they sell, the Biden administration said. These companies include Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics USA, Logitech and Samsung Electronics. The FCC is expected to seek public comment on the program before giving its final approval and officially launching it. Officials said the public should start seeing product identifications, or labels, sometime in 2024.
