New cybersecurity labeling program to be launched by White House

CyberScoop reports that the White House National Security Council intends to introduce a consumer products cybersecurity labeling program next spring in an effort to bolster internet-connected devices' digital protections, with nearly 50 manufacturing firm, consumer product association, and technology think tank representatives expected to convene for a workshop on the program next week. Such an effort will be led by Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Tech Anne Neuberger and patterned after the Energy Department and Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star labeling program, according to a senior administration official close to the matter. Three to four cybersecurity standards are being planned by the Biden administration to be recommended to manufacturers as the basis for cybersecurity risk labels to be given to Internet of Things devices, with the administration and the European Union also collaborating to ensure standards alignment. While the program is a notable effort, it will be challenging to design and manage, said Cybersecurity Solarium Commission Executive Director Mark Montgomery. "The feds should be looking for a non-governmental organization to execute this as the certification will require an agility and persistence that will be hard for a federal agency to maintain with all their other requirements," Montgomery added.