[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nationalcybersecuritysociety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCSS-3397-Bulletin-Header-Footer-Header-Graphic-1600×350-Compressed.png” title_text=”NCSS-3397-Bulletin-Header-Footer-Header Graphic 1600×350-Compressed” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Published: May 1, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our new bulletin Cyber Threat Watch<\/em><\/strong> has been created to help small businesses stay up to date on the latest threats, news, and events affecting their business. The content has been curated to make cybersecurity easy and accessible for both technical and nontechnical readers.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Featured Cyber Threat \u2014 Hidden Dangers of White-Labeled Devices and the Regulatory Initiative” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#00688E” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nationalcybersecuritysociety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1072779578-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”lock mark cybersecurity internet, protect attacks from a hacker. concept of password privacy on an online system, secure data from crime, virus cyber. cyber security technology digital information.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_text_color=”#00688E” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cybersecurity risks tied to foreign-manufactured technology continue to be a growing concern, particularly with white-labeled devices<\/a><\/span>\u2014products made by one company but rebranded and sold under another name. These devices, often sourced from low-cost foreign manufacturers, may bypass security regulations and expose hidden vulnerabilities in networks and critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n Following recent warnings, the U.S. government has responded by launching the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark<\/a><\/span>, a new cybersecurity labeling program to help consumers identify safer devices. Therefore, understanding these new developments can help you make decisions about your technology choices.<\/p>\n White-labeled devices are electronics produced by one company and sold under a different brand name, often making it difficult to trace the original manufacturer. While not all white-labeled devices pose security risks, some of them come from manufacturers that have been flagged for cybersecurity concerns or even banned from selling products in the U.S. They are commonly found among the following Internet of Things (IoT)<\/a><\/span> products:<\/p>\n In response to these concerns, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned certain manufacturers<\/a><\/span> from selling products in the U.S. Because their true origins are hidden, security flaws may go unnoticed and allow hidden backdoors, weak encryption, and outdated software to remain undetected<\/a>, <\/span>making it harder to track threats and prevent insecure devices from reaching consumers<\/span>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nationalcybersecuritysociety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_271932076-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Counterfeit word cloud” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_text_color=”#00688E” custom_css_free_form=”ol {|| list-style: none !important; || counter-reset: item; ||}||||ol li {|| counter-increment: item; || position: relative; || padding-left: 2em; \/* Adjust as needed for spacing *\/||}||||ol li::before {|| content: counter(item) %22.%22; || font-weight: bold; || position: absolute;|| left: 0; || width: 1.5em; || text-align: right;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To improve security awareness, the U.S. government introduced the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a voluntary certification program for IoT devices<\/a>. The devices that meet cybersecurity standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)<\/a> can display the Cyber Trust Mark label, similar to Energy Star ratings for energy efficiency. The QR code on its label provides real-time security details such as encryption standards, software update policies, and known vulnerabilities. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy support this initiative<\/a> to highlight certified products.<\/span><\/p>\n While this program is a positive step, it is voluntary, so not all products will carry the label. Moreover, it doesn’t specifically regulate white-labeled devices, so they may still enter the market without proper security checks.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>White-labeled devices are difficult to track, so small businesses should take the following proactive steps to reduce the risk of unknowingly using insecure devices.<\/span><\/p>\n White-labeled devices pose cybersecurity risks because they hide their true origins, making it harder to enforce security regulations. The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark helps consumers identify safer products, but it doesn\u2019t fully prevent white-labeled devices from re\u2011entering the market under different branding. For small businesses, awareness is key\u2014by choosing secure products and following cybersecurity best practices, they can better protect themselves from hidden security threats.<\/p>\n The NCSS encourages businesses to adopt comprehensive security practices and stay informed about evolving technology threats. We recommend you consider becoming an NCSS member to access a wide range of our services. For more information, visit our Small Business page<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”54px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#00688E” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/US\/internet-connected-cameras-made-china-spy-us-infrastructure\/story?id=118533418<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/dhs-terminates-all-advisory-committees-ends-investigation-chinese-linked-telecom-hack-salt-typhoon\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/legal\/us-court-rejects-hikvision-bid-lift-fcc-ban-equipment-approvals-2025-02-27\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/nypost.com\/2024\/12\/18\/business\/us-could-ban-chinese-made-tp-link-routers-over-hacking-fears-report\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/technology\/cybersecurity\/internet-connected-devices-can-now-have-label-that-rates-their-security-2025-01-07\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.theregister.com\/2025\/01\/09\/white_house_smart_device_security_label\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/bobbragg.substack.com\/p\/quicklook-chinese-tech-surveillance<\/a><\/p>\nWhat Are White-Labeled Devices?<\/h3>\n
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Introduction of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark: A Step Toward Safer Devices<\/h3>\n
How Small Businesses Can Protect Themselves<\/h3>\n
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Conclusion<\/h3>\n
References<\/h2>\n