On the BSI website, consumers can find information on the IT security label. Photo: bsi.bund.de/dpa-tmn
The five new categories include networked speakers, toys and cleaning equipment as well as garden robots or smart TVs, according to the BSI. Further product categories such as smart home automation are to follow in the coming months.
With the license plate, the BSI wants to make the security promises of manufacturers and service providers transparent to consumers. The seal of approval is intended to provide orientation and contribute to an informed purchasing decision for IT products and services.
On the one hand, it is quite practical to search an online directory for products and services that bear the IT security mark. On the other hand, the quality seal itself contains a specific QR code that leads to a product information page. The code can be found, for example, on the outer packaging of the device or on the manufacturer’s website.
Product information pages with safety information
The product information pages contain security-relevant device or service properties as well as information on updates and known vulnerabilities. The authority answers questions and answers about the license plate online on an FAQ page.
The IT security label is based on voluntary commitments by the manufacturers, which are checked by the BSI for plausibility. In order to receive the seal of approval for a product or service, companies must submit an application to the authority. There is an administrative fee for the examination.
