New FCC Label Makes Smart Home Devices Safer to Buy

Imagine buying a baby monitor or smart doorbell without wondering if hackers could access your private moments. That uncertainty is about to end.

The Federal Communications Commission is launching the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program in 2025, giving consumers a simple way to identify internet-connected devices built with strong security. Products that meet specific cybersecurity standards will display a distinctive shield label, similar to how Energy Star marks efficient appliances.

The timing couldn't be better. The average American home now contains 20 to 25 connected devices, and hackers launch nearly 1 million attacks on smart home products every day.

Here's how it works: qualifying devices must protect consumer data, limit access to authorized users, and provide secure software updates. Each shield label includes a scannable QR code that shows easy-to-understand security information, like how to change default passwords and how long the manufacturer will support the product.

The program is entirely voluntary, but it creates powerful incentives for manufacturers. Companies that earn the certification get to showcase their commitment to security, standing out from competitors who skip these protections. Retailers can promote trusted products, and consumers can shop with confidence.

The ioXt Alliance, an organization with deep cybersecurity expertise, will manage daily operations of the program. The FCC is currently seeking feedback from manufacturers, retailers, security researchers and consumer advocates to perfect the details before the 2027 full implementation.

The Ripple Effect

This simple label could transform the entire smart home industry. When consumers start choosing certified products, manufacturers who haven't prioritized security will face market pressure to step up. The program rewards companies that build protection into their designs from the start, not those who patch vulnerabilities after problems emerge.

The certification also supports broader FCC efforts to strengthen cybersecurity across American networks, from removing untrustworthy equipment to increasing transparency about foreign control of critical systems.

Olivia Trusty, who authored the announcement, emphasizes that no label guarantees a product will never be hacked. Consumers should still use strong passwords, enable multifactor authentication, and install security updates. But the Cyber Trust Mark removes the guesswork from finding products designed with protection in mind.

For families bringing cameras, voice assistants, and smart locks into their most private spaces, that clarity makes all the difference. The promise of the smart home no longer has to come at the expense of the secure home.