FCC Public Safety Bureau Chief, Lawmakers Optimistic About Smart Device Label NPRM

FCC Public Safety Bureau Chief Debra Jordan and lawmakers voiced optimism during a Wednesday night CTA event about the trajectory of the commission’s work on its August NPRM on a voluntary Cyber Trust Mark cybersecurity labeling program for smart devices (see 2308100032). Jordan offered few updates on the FCC’s progress in developing the NPRM’s record but emphasized that replies to comments filed earlier this month (see 2310100034) are due Nov. 10. “Smart devices make our lives easier” and “more efficient” including via “remotely monitoring the thermostat, knowing when your oven is preheated or the health of our kids,” Jordan said. “But increased interconnection also means increased opportunity for bad things to happen with regard to security and privacy.” Cyber Trust Mark will help consumers “get clear information about the devices that they’re considering buying based on” NIST’s “widely accepted” cybersecurity standards and other “industry research,” she said: “We envision a strong partnership” with the private sector “to make this happen,” similar to the joint Energy Department-Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star program. House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta, R-Ohio, said he and other lawmakers are “carefully following” the FCC’s work on the cybersecurity labeling program, which “has the potential to be a good first step in educating consumers.” He cautioned that “we must also make sure the FCC relies on cybersecurity and industry experts to get this right.” Ranking member Doris Matsui, D-Calif., and Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., also praised the proposed program. It “will provide consumers with better cybersecurity,” invoking the “Good Housekeeping seal of approval” as a model. “Anything that helps somebody understand whether or not what they’re purchasing” meets cybersecurity standards is a good thing, she said.