What Is the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Program and How Does It Help Matter Smart Homes?

Smart home security is a big deal. Plugging your crucial devices – locks, heating, and kitchenware – into a network comes with some risks. Without solid network security across the board, you could be opening your home to a digital attack.

You can get an idea of how secure you smart home gear is by the badges on the packaging. The Matter logo appears on Matter-compatible devices, along with badges such as “Works With Apple Home.” Where Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, and other things are supported, you’ll also see corresponding badges.

But along with these logos, a new emblem is set to appear – the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.

What is the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark?

Introduced by the White House, U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is described as a cybersecurity label, intended for use on the packaging of internet-connected hardware. Appearing as a shield emblem, and overseen by various Cybersecurity Label Administrator bodies, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark has been approved by the FCC with unanimous support.

You’ll soon see the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark on any connected devices you buy in stores or online.

Steve Downer is the Vice President of Amazon. “Amazon supports the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark’s goal to strengthen consumer trust in connected devices. We believe consumers will value seeing the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark both on product packaging and while shopping online. We look forward to collaborating with industry partners and the government on consumer education efforts and implementation strategies.” 

How Does the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Impact Matter?

You probably know that the Matter smart home standard is designed to be secure, even blocking Wi-Fi password sharing on connected devices.

While there is no direct impact on Matter or the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the presence of the mark is significant. Sure, it adds another badge to the roll-call of “Works With” emblems, but these are likely to reduce with the simplified testing regime for OEMs.

Badges like this have a psychological effect. In 1992, the U.S. Government introduced the Energy Star certification, which was found on various electronics and computers. The impact was straightforward – consumers knew they were buying energy efficient hardware.

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark will likely have a similar impact, identifying trustworthy, secure hardware to consumers. The increasing range of Matter-compatible hardware will undoubtedly feature the mark, with hardware manufacturers automatically incentivized to release more secure products.

In short, everyone wins, and your smart home becomes that bit more secure.