The voluntary program would allow communications service providers to be certified if they adhere to a set of cybersecurity objectives or practices.

But FTC is worried, saying these communications service providers hold and handle similar sensitive consumer information and face similar security risks as groups the FTC has investigated in the past for poor data security practices.

FTC is stressing the importance of a flexible approach to the certification program.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily Cybersecurity Update brought to you by Tripwire. For more cybersecurity news, click here.