Cyber Standards for Connected Devices Leverage Federal Purchases

A new law setting cybersecurity standards for Internet of Things devices that federal agencies buy could have a larger impact on the industry due to the government’s purchasing power.

The standards, which under the law must be finalized in early 2021, are likely to prompt makers of internet-connected devices to step up their security so they can sell to the government.

“The statute leverages the purchasing power of the federal government to raise the floor on IoT device cybersecurity,” said Micaela McMurrough, a partner at Covington & Burling LLP, who advises companies on cybersecurity issues.

The Internet of Things Cybersecurity ...