Smart Devices Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme

As the nation’s peak standard development organisation, Standards Australia is partnering with the Internet of Things Alliance Australia (IoTAA) to develop a Smart Devices Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) that improves safety for Australian consumers.

The rapid adoption of smart devices, otherwise known as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, potentially exposes consumers to pervasive and sophisticated cyber-attacks. Importantly, these devices are found in almost every home but are not the equipment the public traditionally associate with security vulnerabilities. This means consumers have little awareness of the level of risk or protection provided by these devices, and whether the equipment is safe.

The introduction of a smart device CLS  will allow customers to have access to information to objectively compare smart device products based on security claims and understand the vulnerability of their smart devices. It also enables manufacturers to promote security for consumers while driving demand for their goods and services.

Under the smart devices CLS,  smart devices would require independent certification before they could be registered. The certification would be provided by an accredited independent certifying body, once it demonstrates that it conforms with Australian Standards or adopted international standards through the Standards Australia authorisation process. Once certified, it is authorised to utilise a smart device cyber security label.

This label would provide consumers with confidence of the independently verified cyber security claims of the devices and solutions they are purchasing, while maintaining adaptability for manufacturers to implement security in accordance with need.

We expect the CLS to incentivise manufacturers to address security vulnerabilities and instil product confidence in their end users. The scheme will also promote security for consumers and at the same time increase the marketability and value of Australian products and services.  This will be an Australian first and position Australia as a world leader in enhancing smart device security.