The Hidden Threat
In today’s digital age, it’s not just our computers and smartphones that are at risk of cyber attacks. Our home devices and appliances, from smart TVs to refrigerators, can also be vulnerable to hackers. As part of the actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration on July 17th was announced a cybersecurity certification and labeling program to help Americans more easily choose smart devices that are safer and less vulnerable to cyberattacks. The new “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” program proposed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel would raise the bar for cybersecurity across common devices, including smart refrigerators, smart microwaves, smart televisions, smart climate control systems, smart fitness trackers, and more. Lets check some of the cybersecurity risks on home devices and what this government measure will include.
Understand the Risks
As technology continues to advance, our homes are becoming more connected than ever before. While this can bring convenience and efficiency, it also opens up new avenues for cyber attacks. Home devices and appliances that are connected to the internet, such as smart TVs, thermostats, and even refrigerators, can be vulnerable to hackers. These devices often have weak security measures in place, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. By understanding the potential risks, you can take steps to protect your personal information and secure your home devices.
Under the proposed new program, consumers would see a newly created “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” in the form of a distinct shield logo applied to products meeting established cybersecurity criteria. 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.
Cybersecurity Labeling Program
Acting under its authorities to regulate wireless communication devices, the FCC is expected to seek public comment on rolling out the proposed voluntary cybersecurity labeling program, which is expected to be up and running in 2024. As proposed, the program would leverage stakeholder-led efforts to certify and label products, based on specific cybersecurity criteria published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that, for example, requires unique and strong default passwords, data protection, software updates, and incident detection capabilities.
Today, the FCC is applying to register a national trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that would be applied to products meeting the established cybersecurity criteria. The Administration—including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency—would support the FCC in educating consumers to look for the new label when making purchasing decisions, and encouraging major U.S. retailers to prioritize labeled products when placing them on the shelf and online.
To further enhance transparency and competition:
The FCC intends the use a QR code linking to a national registry of certified devices to provide consumers with specific and comparable security information about these smart products.
NIST will also immediately undertake an effort to define cybersecurity requirements for consumer-grade routers—a higher-risk type of product that, if compromised, can be used to eavesdrop, steal passwords, and attack other devices and high value networks. NIST will complete this work by the end of 2023, to permit the Commission to consider use of these requirements to expand the labeling program to cover consumer grade routers.
The U.S. Department of Energy today also announced a collaborative initiative with National Labs and industry partners to research and develop cybersecurity labeling requirements for smart meters and power inverters, both essential components of the clean, smart grid of the future.
Internationally, the U.S. Department of State is committed to supporting the FCC to engage allies and partners toward harmonizing standards and pursuing mutual recognition of similar labeling efforts.
This new labeling program would help provide Americans with greater assurances about the cybersecurity of the products they use and rely on in their everyday lives. It would also be beneficial for businesses, as it would help differentiate trustworthy products in the marketplace.
As part of the development of the program, the Biden-Harris Administration and FCC will continue to engage stakeholders, regulators, and Congress to fully implement this program and work together to keep Americans safe.
Participants in the announcement include: Amazon, Best Buy, Carnegie Mellon University, CyLab, Cisco Systems, Connectivity Standards Alliance, Consumer Reports, Consumer Technology Association, Google, Infineon, the Information Technology Industry Council, IoXT, KeySight, LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech, OpenPolicy, Qorvo, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, UL Solutions, Yale and August U.S.
Take Action Today
Update Firmware and Software: Regularly update the firmware and software on your devices to ensure they have the latest security patches.
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your home devices from cyber attacks is to regularly update the firmware and software. Manufacturers often release updates that include security patches to address vulnerabilities and protect against new threats. By keeping your devices up to date, you can ensure that you have the latest protections in place.
To update your devices, check the manufacturer’s website or user manual for instructions. Many devices have an option in the settings menu to check for updates and install them automatically. Make it a habit to regularly check for updates and install them as soon as they become available.
In addition to updating the firmware and software on your devices, it’s also important to keep your router’s firmware up to date. Your router is the gateway between your home network and the internet, so it’s crucial to ensure that it has the latest security patches. Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to update your router’s firmware.
By regularly updating the firmware and software on your devices and router, you can minimize the risk of cyber attacks and protect your personal information. Don’t overlook this important step in securing your home devices and appliances.
Change Default Passwords: Change the default passwords on your devices to something strong and unique.
One of the easiest ways for cyber attackers to gain access to your home devices and appliances is through default passwords. Many devices come with a default password that is easily guessable or widely known. It’s important to change these default passwords to something strong and unique to protect your personal information.
When choosing a new password, make sure it is at least 12 characters long and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or phrases, as these can be easily guessed. Instead, opt for a random combination of characters that is difficult for others to guess.
It’s also important to use a different password for each of your devices and appliances. This way, if one password is compromised, the attacker won’t have access to all of your devices. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your passwords and generate strong, unique passwords for each device.
By changing the default passwords on your devices and appliances, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your personal information from cyber attacks. Don’t overlook this simple yet crucial step in securing your home devices and appliances.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and enable encryption to protect your devices from unauthorized access.
Securing your Wi-Fi network is an essential step in protecting your home devices and appliances from cyber attacks. One of the first things you should do is change the default password for your Wi-Fi network. Many routers come with a default password that is easily guessable or widely known, making it easy for attackers to gain access to your network.
When choosing a new password for your Wi-Fi network, make sure it is strong and unique. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or phrases, as these can be easily guessed. Instead, opt for a random combination of characters that is difficult for others to guess.
In addition to changing the password, you should also enable encryption on your Wi-Fi network. Encryption scrambles the data that is transmitted between your devices and your router, making it difficult for attackers to intercept and decipher the information. Most routers offer different encryption options, such as WPA2 or WPA3. Choose the strongest encryption option available to ensure the highest level of security.
By securing your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and enabling encryption, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your devices and appliances. Take the time to update your Wi-Fi network settings and protect your personal information from cyber attacks.
Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Install firewalls and antivirus software on your devices to provide an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.
Firewalls and antivirus software are essential tools for protecting your devices from cyber threats. Firewalls act as a barrier between your device and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic to block any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Antivirus software, on the other hand, scans your device for malware, viruses, and other malicious software, and removes or quarantines them to prevent any damage.
When choosing a firewall and antivirus software, make sure to select reputable and trusted brands. Look for software that offers real-time scanning and automatic updates to ensure that you are always protected against the latest threats. It is also important to regularly update your firewall and antivirus software to keep up with new security patches and enhancements.
In addition to installing firewalls and antivirus software, it is crucial to keep them enabled and up to date at all times. Set up automatic scans and updates to ensure that your devices are constantly protected. Regularly check for any available updates and install them promptly to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.
Remember, firewalls and antivirus software are not foolproof, but they provide an extra layer of protection against cyber threats. By using these tools in conjunction with other security measures, such as strong passwords and encryption, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks and protect your personal information.
