US Cyber Trust Mark – Step towards Product Cyber security – Beyond Regulatory requirement- An Emerging market

What is ?US Cyber ??Trust? Mark:

In an era of increasing cyber threats, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark initiative represents a significant step toward improving digital security for?? device? Cyber? security .

Launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2023, this voluntary labelling program aims to empower consumers by identifying devices that meet baseline cybersecurity standards. While the initiative promises to enhance transparency and security, it also raises questions about implementation, scope, and effectiveness. While the program is voluntary, manufacturers choosing to participate must adhere to the FCC’s program requirements to display the Cyber Trust Mark on their products.

The labelling ?may be? considered? equivalent to ENERGY STAR ??for? Consumer? appliances? which? help? consumers? to choose? the? appliance? based? on Energy efficient devices ,? Cyber Trust Mark will help consumer? to be? aware of DEVICE CYBER SECURITY ?labelling & will pave? way for more Secured? Smart products? & increased ?Consumer? Confidence.

How ?it benefits? Consumers

·?????? Increased Consumer Trust on the wireless IOT devices

·?????? Improved Security Posture due to Regulatory requirements

·?????? Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks

·?????? Identify Trustworthy products

Likely Challenge

Voluntary Nature: The Cyber Trust Mark is currently voluntary. This raises concerns about its effectiveness as manufacturers may choose not to participate, potentially leaving consumers vulnerable

Keeping Pace with Evolving Threats: Evolving landscape of cyber threats necessitates ongoing updates and adjustments to the Trust Mark criteria

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How it help Device Manufacturers/OEMS:

·?????? ?Product differentiation

·?????? Increase Customer Trust

·?????? Access Broader Market

·?????? Voluntary Compliance

·?????? Enhanced Product Value

Which devices are coming under Applicability?

Wireless? IOT Devices Eligible for the Cyber Trust Mark: Below examples? are? sample? list of ?types of consumer wireless IoT products that can participate in the program.

·?????? Internet-Connected Home Security Cameras

·?????? Voice-Activated Shopping Devices

·?????? Smart Appliances

·?????? Fitness Trackers

·?????? Garage Door Openers

·?????? Baby Monitors

·?????? Robot Vacuum cleaners

Which ?are the devices will not be applicable for this? compliance ?

·?????? Medical Devices: Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

·?????? Motor Vehicles and Equipment: Regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

·?????? Wired Devices: Only wireless devices are eligible.

·?????? Industrial and Enterprise Products: Products primarily used for manufacturing, industrial control, or enterprise applications.

·?????? Equipment on the FCC’s Covered List: Devices from entities identified on the FCC's Covered List or other national security-related lists.

·?????? IoT Products from Banned Entities: Products produced by entities prohibited from federal procurement.

·?????? Personal computers, smartphones, and routers are not included in the initial scope of the program.

What role will the third-party administrators play?

The Cyber Trust Mark program is owned by the Commission and will by supported by third party administrators. Their duties are spelled out in an FCC?Order. In brief:

§? The?Lead Administrator?will be responsible for collaborating with stakeholders and will recommend to the Commission cybersecurity standards, testing procedures, and label design. It will also be responsible for developing a consumer education campaign.

§? The?Cybersecurity Label Administrators?will be responsible for day-to-day management of the program, including accepting and reviewing applications and approving or denying use of the FCC IoT Label.

§? The?CyberLABs?will test products to demonstrate that they meet the program's cybersecurity requirements.

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The Lead Administrator, Cybersecurity Label Administrators, and CyberLABs must be accredited to international (ISO/IEC) standards.

My inference: Scope? for?? IT? Software? Services Companies

The Cyber Trust Mark initiative is not just a regulatory development but an emerging market opportunity for Software Service Companies specializing in software testing and validation. With AI, Gen AI ?has become order of the day , rendering AI? based? ?device? security services? with continuous ?threat monitoring? & prognostics ??services will? strengthen the? cyber? security? challenges posed by ?exploiters & hackers.

Prognostics services use data analysis and machine learning algorithms to predict future cyber threats and potential vulnerabilities, allowing organizations to take proactive measures to prevent attacks before they occur, essentially forecasting potential security issues based on patterns and trends observed in system & device behavior

By addressing compliance needs, building trust in connected devices, and supporting manufacturers in certification processes, companies can position themselves? as essential? partners? to their? clients, establish? labs , build? services? for? compliance , work with third party administrators? approved by FCC.

For Test Automation? product ?Companies , this? will be? yet another feature shall be? added in their? portfolio of? the Software ??tool what? they already? have? for? doing Device Cyber? security? requirements .

Disclaimer : The views? expressed? in this? write up are? personal.

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References ?& Courtesy:

https://www.fcc.gov/CyberTrustMark

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-10-administrators-iot-labeling-program

Information available from Internet Sources