Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- roll out / roʊl aʊt / (phrasal v.) – to officially make a new product or service known or ready for people to use
Example:Our town is rolling out a recycling program to encourage everyone to take care of the environment.
- affix / əˈfɪks / (v.) – to put or stick one thing to another
Example:Please affix a stamp to the envelope before mailing it.
- distinctive / dɪˈstɪŋk tɪv / (adj.) – describing something that is easy to notice because it is different from others
Example:Jason’s voice is so distinctive that everyone knows it’s him when he speaks.
- proliferation / prəˌlɪf əˈreɪ ʃən / (n.) – an instance or situation where something increases or spreads very quickly
Example:The proliferation of social media platforms has changed the way people connect with each other.
- foothold / ˈfʊtˌhoʊld / (n.) – a strong position or place where someone/something can grow, develop, or do what it wants
Example:The startup gained a foothold in the tech industry by offering new and unique products.
Article
Read the text below.
The federal government is rolling out a consumer labeling system designed to help Americans pick smart devices that are less vulnerable to hacking.
Under the voluntary program, called the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Initiative, manufacturers can affix the label on their products if they meet federal cybersecurity standards. The types of devices that can seek to carry the label include baby monitors, home security cameras, fitness trackers, refrigerators, and other internet-connected appliances.
The labels will include a distinctive shield logo as well as QR codes that consumers can scan for more information about the security of the device. Products bearing the label should be available this year, once manufacturers begin submitting their devices for approval, said deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger, who briefed reporters on the new program.
“It gives consumers an easy way to check if a home alarm system or baby monitor is cyber safe,” Neuberger said, noting that the average American household now has 21 devices that are connected to the internet—each presenting a possible entry point for cybercriminals.
Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics USA, Logitech, and Samsung are among the industry participants.
Even though it’s voluntary, the program will help consumers know which brands to trust—by clicking on the QR code, they’ll be able to access even more information about cybersecurity, including whether the manufacturer provides software updates to protect against new cyber threats, according to Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at Consumer Reports.
Officials compare the labels to the Energy Star program, which rates appliances’ energy efficiency, and say the idea is to give consumers more information about the products they buy while also encouraging manufacturers to enhance their cybersecurity.
The proliferation of so-called smart devices has coincided with growing cybercrime in which one insecure device can often give cyber intruders a dangerous foothold on a home network.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a voluntary program in which manufacturers can affix a label on their products if they meet federal cybersecurity standards. In your opinion, is it enough that the initiative is voluntary, or should it be mandatory? Why do you say so? As a consumer, do you trust mandatory programs or do you demand stricter regulations? Why? Discuss.
- Do you think people will still take the label seriously if it’s voluntary? Why do you think so? Would you still purchase a device from a trusted brand even if it didn’t have this label? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Consumers now have a role in checking the security of the devices they buy through the label. Do you believe that a labeling system like the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark will make people more careful about the devices they buy? Why or why not? Do you think most people will take the time to scan QR codes and check cybersecurity labels? Why do you think so? Discuss.
- Do you think people in your country are educated enough about cybersecurity? Why do you say so? Do you believe implementing a similar program would be beneficial for consumers in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.
