The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark: A Smarter Way to Buy Safer Tech
Smart devices are supposed to make your life easier—not introduce silent risks into your business.
From smart TVs and thermostats to doorbell cameras and baby monitors, smart devices have crept into our homes and offices. They’re convenient, they’re helpful, and they’re everywhere. But here’s what most business owners don’t realize:
These same devices can quietly open the door to cyberattacks.
In 2022, there were over 112 million IoT-based cyberattacks worldwide. And with AI-fueled threats accelerating, 2024 is projected to see an 82% increase. The reality? You don’t need to be targeted by a hacker to be exposed. You just need to plug in the wrong smart device.
That’s why the U.S. government created the Cyber Trust Mark—a new labeling system that signals which smart devices are built with basic cybersecurity protections in place.
Let’s break down what it is, why it matters, and how business owners can use it to stay a step ahead.
What Is the Cyber Trust Mark?
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a voluntary certification for smart devices that meet certain cybersecurity standards. Think of it as a seal of approval that tells you, "This device won’t be your weakest link."
Devices that earn the mark must pass tests in:
Password strength (no more “admin123”)
Data protection (so your sensitive info isn’t floating in the cloud)
Software update practices (to patch vulnerabilities quickly and consistently)
In short, devices with the Cyber Trust Mark are built with security in mind, not just convenience.
Why Should Business Owners Care?
Because it only takes one vulnerable device to put your entire operation at risk.
Your team doesn’t think twice about plugging in a smart speaker or setting up a new webcam—and that’s the problem. Without guidance or standards, you’re left hoping nothing goes wrong.
But here’s what’s at stake:
Breach liability if a smart device is compromised
Data privacy violations (which can tank client trust)
Insurance claim denials if devices don’t meet coverage requirements
If you’re serious about building a secure and insurable business, you can’t afford to ignore what your smart tech is doing in the background.
Which Devices Will Carry the Mark?
You can expect to start seeing the Cyber Trust Mark on product packaging later this year. It will apply to devices like:
Smart TVs
Smart locks
Security cameras
Baby monitors
Smart speakers
Thermostats
As adoption grows, more categories will be added. Eventually, devices without the mark will feel like a red flag.
What If You Already Own Smart Devices?
Most business owners already have smart tech in place—and chances are, those devices weren’t vetted for security. That’s okay. You can still tighten your defenses by:
Changing all default passwords
Updating device firmware regularly
Turning off unused features
Segmenting smart devices on a separate Wi-Fi network
Auditing access and reviewing device settings
None of these steps require IT expertise. But they do require someone who’s paying attention.
What Comes Next?
The Cyber Trust Mark is a major shift—but it’s just the beginning. Expect:
Stricter standards as threats evolve
Pressure on manufacturers to prioritize security
Wider adoption across industries and retailers
Bottom line: this is where the market is going. The faster you align your business with smart cybersecurity standards, the easier it becomes to scale safely.
At qnectU, we don’t believe in fear-based decision-making. We believe in clarity.
Smart devices aren’t going away. But blind adoption without a plan? That’s a risk you don’t need to take.
If you’re not sure which devices in your business are exposing you to risk—or whether your current tools would pass a cyber insurance audit—we can help.
Let us walk you through it. Click here to schedule a quick 26-minute call today because good tech should move your business forward, not hold it hostage.
