Bi-Partisan Bill Seeks to Establish Cybersecurity Guidelines for IoT Devices
The U.S. Senate is currently considering the Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017, which would establish baseline cybersecurity standards for federal procurement of IoT devices. The bill would also allow security researchers to look for critical vulnerabilities in devices purchased by the government without fear of prosecution.
The IoT bill has attracted co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, including U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), co-chairs of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, along with Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT). The lawmakers drafted the legislation in consultation with technology and security experts from institutions such as the Berklett Cybersecurity Project of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
Proliferation of IoT Devices Increases Cyber Risks
The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to the ability of everyday objects, from home security systems to pacemakers, to send and receive data via an Internet connection. Research firm Gartner, Inc. predicts that 8.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2017, up 31 percent from 2016. The number of IoT devices is expected to reach 20.4 billion by 2020.
As adoption of the technology grows, so do the potential data privacy and cybersecurity risks, including unauthorized access, misuse of personal information, and personal safety concerns. According to Sen. Warner, the worldwide internet outages caused last year by devices infected with the Mirai malware highlighted the need for more robust discussions about securing IoT devices.
“While I’m tremendously excited about the innovation and productivity that Internet-of-Things devices will unleash, I have long been concerned that too many Internet-connected devices are being sold without appropriate safeguards and protections in place,” said Sen. Warner.
Provisions of Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017
The Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017 broadly defines “Internet-Connected Device” to include any “physical object that—(A) is capable of connecting to and is in regular connection with the Internet; and (B) has computer processing capabilities that can collect, send, or receive data.” Among other provisions, the legislation would:
Require vendors of Internet-connected devices purchased by the federal government to ensure their devices are patchable, rely on industry standard protocols, do not use hard-coded passwords, and do not contain any known security vulnerabilities.
Direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop alternative network-level security requirements for devices with limited data processing and software functionality.
Direct the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate to issue guidelines regarding cybersecurity coordinated vulnerability disclosure policies to be required by contractors providing connected devices to the U.S. Government.
Exempt cybersecurity researchers engaging in good-faith research (often called “grey hats”) from liability under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act when engaged in research pursuant to adopted coordinated vulnerability disclosure guidelines.
Require each executive agency to inventory all Internet-connected devices in use by the agency.
Notably, the requirements would only apply to IoT devices sold to the federal government. However, should the measure advance, additional legislation for consumer-facing devices would likely be forthcoming.
Do you have any feedback, thoughts, reactions or comments concerning this topic? Feel free to leave a comment below for Fernando M. Pinguelo. If you have any questions about this post, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Bill Seeks To Establish Cybersecurity Guidelines for IoT Devices
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Bi-Partisan Bill Seeks to Establish Cybersecurity Guidelines for IoT Devices
The U.S. Senate is currently considering the Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017, which would establish baseline cybersecurity standards for federal procurement of IoT devices. The bill would also allow security researchers to look for critical vulnerabilities in devices purchased by the government without fear of prosecution.
The IoT bill has attracted co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, including U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), co-chairs of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, along with Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT). The lawmakers drafted the legislation in consultation with technology and security experts from institutions such as the Berklett Cybersecurity Project of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
Proliferation of IoT Devices Increases Cyber Risks
The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to the ability of everyday objects, from home security systems to pacemakers, to send and receive data via an Internet connection. Research firm Gartner, Inc. predicts that 8.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2017, up 31 percent from 2016. The number of IoT devices is expected to reach 20.4 billion by 2020.
As adoption of the technology grows, so do the potential data privacy and cybersecurity risks, including unauthorized access, misuse of personal information, and personal safety concerns. According to Sen. Warner, the worldwide internet outages caused last year by devices infected with the Mirai malware highlighted the need for more robust discussions about securing IoT devices.
“While I’m tremendously excited about the innovation and productivity that Internet-of-Things devices will unleash, I have long been concerned that too many Internet-connected devices are being sold without appropriate safeguards and protections in place,” said Sen. Warner.
Provisions of Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017
The Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017 broadly defines “Internet-Connected Device” to include any “physical object that—(A) is capable of connecting to and is in regular connection with the Internet; and (B) has computer processing capabilities that can collect, send, or receive data.” Among other provisions, the legislation would:
Require vendors of Internet-connected devices purchased by the federal government to ensure their devices are patchable, rely on industry standard protocols, do not use hard-coded passwords, and do not contain any known security vulnerabilities.
Direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop alternative network-level security requirements for devices with limited data processing and software functionality.
Direct the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate to issue guidelines regarding cybersecurity coordinated vulnerability disclosure policies to be required by contractors providing connected devices to the U.S. Government.
Exempt cybersecurity researchers engaging in good-faith research (often called “grey hats”) from liability under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act when engaged in research pursuant to adopted coordinated vulnerability disclosure guidelines.
Require each executive agency to inventory all Internet-connected devices in use by the agency.
Notably, the requirements would only apply to IoT devices sold to the federal government. However, should the measure advance, additional legislation for consumer-facing devices would likely be forthcoming.
Do you have any feedback, thoughts, reactions or comments concerning this topic? Feel free to leave a comment below for Fernando M. Pinguelo. If you have any questions about this post, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
