Cyber Trust Mark Program faces a critical test as uncertainty grows

Cyber Trust Mark Program searches are surging as consumers and manufacturers ask whether the FCC-backed smart home security label is effectively dead. The initiative, designed to help buyers identify secure connected devices, is now in limbo after its lead administrator stepped aside. UL Solutions, the testing firm overseeing certifications, recently withdrew from the program. That move followed an FCC investigation into the company’s ties to China, raising national security concerns. While the program has not been officially canceled, its future is increasingly unclear. Many are wondering whether the Biden-era plan can survive regulatory pressure. For now, the Cyber Trust Mark Program remains suspended between promise and collapse.

FCC scrutiny reshapes the future of smart home security labels

FCC involvement has become the defining factor in the Cyber Trust Mark Program’s stalled momentum. The agency began investigating UL Solutions earlier this year as part of a broader review of testing labs. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has taken a harder stance on cybersecurity oversight, especially when foreign connections are involved. That approach already led to the decertification of several China-based “bad labs.” Against that backdrop, UL Solutions’ exit sends a strong signal about the FCC’s priorities. Regulators appear more focused on tightening control than expanding consumer-facing programs. As a result, the certification effort has lost its operational backbone. Without an administrator, the program cannot function as designed.

What the Cyber Trust Mark Program was meant to solve

Cyber Trust Mark Program origins trace back to 2023, when the Biden administration unveiled it as an Energy Star–style system for cybersecurity. The goal was simple but ambitious: give shoppers a clear signal that a smart device meets baseline security standards. Approved products would display a shield icon on packaging and marketing materials. This was meant to reduce confusion in a market flooded with connected cameras, locks, and appliances. Many consumers lack the technical expertise to evaluate security claims on their own. The label aimed to fill that gap with government-backed credibility. It officially launched at CES 2025 with high expectations. Yet months later, no certified products have appeared.

Why no devices ever received the Cyber Trust Mark

Cyber Trust Mark Program delays began long before UL Solutions stepped down. Manufacturers were reportedly slow to enroll, citing uncertainty around testing requirements. Some companies questioned whether consumers would recognize or trust the new label. Others worried that evolving FCC standards could create compliance risks. At the same time, the agency was reassessing broader cybersecurity policies. In November, the FCC rolled back telecom cybersecurity rules enacted after the 2024 Salt Typhoon hack. That rollback signaled a shift in regulatory strategy. Instead of expanding mandates, the FCC appeared to be pulling back. The certification program became collateral damage in that transition.

What UL Solutions’ exit means for the program

UL Solutions leaving the Cyber Trust Mark Program effectively freezes progress. As the lead administrator, UL handled testing coordination, certification workflows, and industry outreach. Replacing that infrastructure would take time and political will. The FCC has not announced a successor or a revised timeline. Requests for comment about the program’s future have gone unanswered. Without clarity, manufacturers are unlikely to commit resources. Consumer trust also erodes when a government-backed label fails to launch. Even if revived, the program may struggle to regain momentum. The longer the pause continues, the harder a comeback becomes.

What consumers and the smart home industry should expect next

Cyber Trust Mark Program uncertainty leaves a noticeable gap in smart home security guidance. Consumers must continue relying on brand reputation, third-party reviews, and fragmented standards. For manufacturers, the setback removes a potential marketing advantage tied to verified security. Policymakers now face a choice between rebooting the initiative or quietly letting it fade away. Either path reflects broader tensions between innovation, regulation, and national security. The FCC’s recent actions suggest caution will outweigh experimentation. If the program ends, it will mark another missed opportunity for clear cybersecurity signaling. Until then, the Cyber Trust Mark remains a symbol of what might have been.