FCC Building Cyber Certification

The Federal Communications Commission wants communications services providers to take a more serious approach to cybersecurity and is building a voluntary program to certify companies' practices.

In a Federal Register notice issued on Tuesday, FCC announced plans to increase broadband security, promote stronger security practices and create incentives for service providers to improve their cyber programs.

According to the notice, the national broadband plan, released in March, recommended the creation of a voluntary cybersecurity certification program. FCC would define general objectives for the program and then build measures by which to assess service providers.

The idea comes at a time when cyber threats are increasing yet funding and focus for security programs are being reduced. Banks, medical facilities, educational institutions and government agencies all depend on safe and secure broadband connections, which reinforces the importance of strong cyber standards, the notice says.

FCC is seeking comment on the program by Sept. 8.