U.S. Cyber Trust Mark 101: All about the latest legislation for tech products
Finally, some legislation around tech products! The White House announced its latest labeling and cybersecurity safety program: The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.
It’s one wild world out there. Many people don’t realize the high-tech products in their homes could open them to a massive hack attack. This new program aims to help consumers identify safe Internet of Things (IoT) devices for purchase.
Here’s what you need to know about the new legislation and why it matters.
Somebody’s watchin’ me
IoT devices are everywhere today. Many families have multiple gadgets, from smart refrigerators to state-of-the-art baby monitors. The problem is that some devices have weak security systems, which puts your whole household at risk.
Take baby monitors, for example. One terrified mom discovered her Owlet baby monitors were hacked by strangers, and they did way more than watch her son. They started talking to him, too. Hackers often infiltrate household cameras either through Wi-Fi or from leaked credentials online.
The IoT device industry is booming, and with that boom comes increased cybersecurity risk. The government is finally stepping in to help consumers choose safe products for the home and workplace.
We’ve got (cyber) trust issues
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program will be overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Through the program, a special mark will be placed on items proven to “adhere to best practices that make them less vulnerable to hackers and cybersecurity threats.”
It’s like the Energy Star program on many of today’s appliances. Instead of rating energy efficiency, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark would rate an IoT device’s level of cybersecurity.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is also defining cybersecurity requirements for household routers, which are super-high-risk products. When a router is compromised, hackers can listen to private conversations, steal passwords and attack all linked devices.
There will also be a QR code and an identifiable mark on an approved product. You can scan the QR code to get more details about a device’s security, including information about security updates or patches.
Millions of routers from Netgear, Linksys, D-Link and more at risk of malware attack
Routers are one of the most important pieces of tech in our lives that most people never think about. If there is a problem with the router, it can leave your whole system vulnerable to malware or attack from hackers.
Security alert: Devices most commonly used to spy on spouses and partners [List]
When securing your tech devices, the big news and advice usually point towards protecting yourself from scammers and hackers. While this is important, threats can also come from somewhere closer to home.
Your phone can be used by strangers as well as people you know to track your movements. One man found a flaw in Google Maps that allowed him to follow his wife’s movements from his phone. Tap or click here for instructions on how to stop others from tracking you through Google Maps.
US government cyberattack: It's bad and it's getting worse
Hackers are more than capable of destroying your life with nothing more than a computer in hand. Thanks to the rise of cyberattacks and malware, it’s easy for them to break into networks, steal data and sell it to the highest bidder.
Critical' Windows bug prompts emergency warning from government
Have you updated Windows recently and experienced any new bugs? Odds are you aren’t alone, and at this point in time, it almost seems like bugs are part and parcel of using a PC these days.
Why so many bugs? It’s because software updates have to come out fast enough to stay one step ahead of hackers. This means old bugs are sometimes replaced with new ones as the cycle continues. Tap or click here to see just how many bugs were addressed in Microsoft’s latest patch Tuesday update.
Scary bug leaves nearly half of all smartphones exposed to hackers
Hackers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to break into your favorite devices. And usually, we’re pretty good about keeping them out. But sometimes, small flaws in hardware or codes can lead to security issues that can be easily exploited.
How your Wi-Fi can be hacked to tell criminals if you're away from home
As smart home products continue to dominate store shelves and living rooms, one type of item stands out as the most popular of the bunch: Wi-Fi security cameras.
In the past, CCTV cameras could cost a fortune, and would be difficult to set up if you didn’t know what you were doing. Flash forward to today and you’ll only spend about an hour or so installing a smart home camera and connecting it to your network. Tap or click here to see our favorite smart home privacy gadgets.
Cyberattacks are increasing, do these 5 steps now
You’re stuck at home. You’re worried about your family, your job, the economy, your savings, your bills, your supplies and, of course, yourself. Sadly, there’s a new issue to add to your list.
No one is really talking about another frightening virus outcome except in the most inner security circles. Here it is: Cybercriminals are gearing up. So far we’ve seen a surge in phishing attacks, malicious websites and phone scams.
Your home network can be hacked through a smart lightbulb - unless you do this
If you haven’t turned your house into a smart home, you’re really missing out. Just the sheer convenience that comes with Internet of Things (IoT) devices is worth the investment.
You’ll love being able to control everything from your lights to your thermostat to appliances with just the sound of your voice or the tap of an app. Don’t know where to begin? We can help. Check out our smart home starter kit. Tap or click here to find out what to do first.
8 things to do now in case Iran attacks the US
Think about how much of your life is spent online. From the moment you wake in the morning to the time you finally go to sleep, you’re constantly checking emails, messaging friends and family, checking bank accounts and so much more — and all of that can be done with your smartphone.