White House Partners with Tech Giants to Enhance Cybersecurity of Devices
In a joint effort to bolster cybersecurity, the White House has teamed up with major technology companies including Amazon, Google, and Best Buy. The initiative, set to launch in 2024, aims to establish a certification and labeling program that will elevate the standard of cybersecurity for smart devices such as refrigerators, microwaves, televisions, climate control systems, and fitness trackers.
The program will introduce a U.S. Cyber Trust Mark logo, which retailers and manufacturers can apply to their devices. This label will signify that these products adhere to a higher level of cybersecurity standards, providing consumers with greater confidence and peace of mind.
The White House has voiced its commitment to ensuring the security of networks and the devices connected to them, emphasizing their significance to both economic and national security. With cyber threats becoming increasingly prevalent, this initiative is a proactive measure to safeguard both individuals and organizations from potential cyberattacks.
To implement this program effectively, the Federal Communications Commission plans to gather public input on the labeling system and register a national trademark. This collaborative effort extends beyond the initial partnering companies, with LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech, Cisco Systems, and Samsung also joining the program.
This latest cybersecurity initiative follows the White House’s national cyber strategy, introduced in March. As part of this strategy, software providers and companies were urged to assume greater responsibility for the protection of their systems against hacking attempts. The government has also intensified its efforts to combat hackers and ransomware groups globally through agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Department.
Highlighting the urgency of heightened security measures, recent events have underscored the threat posed by cyberattacks. Microsoft and U.S. officials disclosed that Chinese state-affiliated hackers surreptitiously accessed email accounts in approximately 25 organizations, including two government agencies, over several months.
By partnering with leading technology companies, the White House aims to bolster cybersecurity across a range of consumer devices. The certification and labeling program will enhance the security of smart devices and provide consumers with a transparent means of identifying products that comply with robust cybersecurity standards. Through these collective efforts, the White House seeks to fortify the nation’s networks and protect against potential cyber threats that have far-reaching consequences for individuals, businesses, and the country as a whole.
