House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats

The House on Monday passed legislation to improve the security of federal internet-connected devices, with the bill garnering bipartisan support.

The Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act, passed unanimously by the House, would require all internet-connected devices purchased by the federal government – including computers, mobile devices, and other products with the ability to connect to the internet – to comply with minimum security recommendations issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The legislation would also require private sector groups providing devices to the federal...