What the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Means for Your Smart Home

A new FCC label aims to make device security as easy to spot as energy efficiency. Here’s how it works and why LG supports it.

When you shop for a refrigerator, the ENERGY STAR label tells you at a glance how efficient it is. Until now, there has been no equivalent for security. As more appliances, cameras and other everyday devices connect to home Wi-Fi, shoppers have had few ways to compare how well those products protect their data.

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is designed to change that. As FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty put it this week, a parent shouldn’t have to “become a cybersecurity expert before selecting a baby monitor.” LG joined the FCC and industry partners at a Consumer Technology Association event in Washington to mark the program’s next steps, and LG Electronics USA has voiced strong support for the program.

What Is the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark?

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program run by the Federal Communications Commission. Manufacturers can submit wireless connected products, such as smart appliances, home security cameras, fitness trackers and baby monitors, to accredited labs for testing against security criteria based on guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Products that meet the criteria can carry the Cyber Trust Mark, a shield-shaped logo, along with a QR code. Scanning the code will take you to more details about the product’s security, such as how long the manufacturer will support it with updates and how to set it up securely.

The criteria cover the basics that matter most to consumers, including:

• Protecting the data a device stores and sends
• Letting owners change settings and passwords securely
• Delivering software updates that are verified before they install
• Making security information easy to find

Why LG Supports the Program

For shoppers, the biggest benefit is clarity. A clear, standardized label makes it easier to factor security into a purchase decision, the same way you might compare capacity, features or energy use. Because every labeled product meets the same baseline criteria, the information is consistent from brand to brand.

The label also raises the bar across the industry. As more consumers look for the Cyber Trust Mark, manufacturers will have even more reason to invest in strong security, which helps improve connected devices for everyone. Common standards also support a more secure and interoperable smart home, where devices from different brands can work together with confidence.

“LG believes the new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark will play a vital role in empowering American consumers to make informed decisions, promoting a more secure market and fostering trust in connected devices,” said LG Electronics USA Senior Vice President John I. Taylor.

How LG Approaches Connected-Device Security

Security is built into LG’s connected products from the start. LG Shield, LG’s security system for its smart products, encrypts sensitive information, including personal data, and helps protect devices and software from unauthorized access. LG’s own software testing laboratory is accredited to evaluate products against international IoT cybersecurity standards, and an LG refrigerator was the first home appliance to earn a Platinum rating in UL’s IoT security evaluation.

Supporting a clear, national standard is a natural next step: It helps shoppers recognize the security work that goes into connected products.

When Will You See the Label?

The FCC is finalizing the program’s technical requirements, testing procedures and label design. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has appointed Commissioner Trusty to lead the rollout, working with the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and the program’s administrators. Trusty said she hopes consumers will start to see labeled products within the next year.

Three Ways to Keep Your Connected Devices Secure Today

While the program rolls out, a few simple habits help protect any smart device in your home:

1. Keep software up to date. Turn on automatic updates where available. For LG appliances, the LG ThinQ app shows when updates are ready.
2. Use strong, unique passwords. Change any default passwords when you set up a new device and secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password too.
3. Register your products. Registration helps you stay informed about updates and support for the devices you own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark required?

No. The program is voluntary. Manufacturers choose to have their products tested and labeled.

What kinds of products can carry the label?

The program covers wireless consumer devices that connect to the internet, such as smart appliances, home security cameras, smart speakers, fitness trackers, garage door openers and baby monitors.

What information does the QR code provide?

The QR code links to details about the product’s security, such as how long the manufacturer will provide security updates and how to configure the device securely.

When will labeled products be available?

The FCC is finalizing the program’s requirements. FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, who is leading the rollout, has said she hopes labeled products reach consumers within the next year.