The old “panic, patch, part” security model is outdated and calls for a new IoT security agenda. It is not enough to take security concepts purely from an administrative IT domain and apply as is.
Machines must be secure by design from chip to cloud and should be democratised through new approaches such as the integrated SIM or iSIM technology, which simplifies secure manufacturing and scale. And, here’s why, says Vincent Korstanje is CEO of Kigen.
There has been a dilemma that has long troubled designers of products and services across many industries adopting IoT how to balance convenience and security. The iSIM, evolves the security standard that has been long established in the smartphone and applications world, and integrates it into the application processor SoC of the device. Built for IoT, the deeper integration of components offers inherent technology benefits such as a significant reduction in size and power meaning a whole new set of applications can now readily take advantage of enhanced cellular level security.
With the closeness of IoT to the physical world, and the multi-layered nature of many IoT technology stacks digital transformation requires a multi-level approach to security. This doesn’t need to be complex. In our experience, leading technology companies with deep and broad expertise are working closely with manufacturers and OEMs to address chip to cloud security together. Through tight collaboration on technological advances, ecosystem approaches will enable a simplified and seamless solutions to support faster digital transformation.
Specifically in the coming year, the industry will see several advancements such as:
Easy access to develop: The no-code revolution is a part of this, making digitalising easier and faster for businesses. Vast range of single board computers, device management and connectivity platforms make development of IoT products relatively straightforward. Greater pre-integrated building blocks that allow you to take a secure-by-design approach to updates; access control and user and device authentication etc., integrating security from the very beginning, which can spur your innovation and productivity toward end goals.
Easy access to future networks: The need to connect “things” continues to fuel the proliferation of IoT, and as more devices come online and are connected, 5G speeds become increasingly needed. Low power wide area networks (LPWAN) will be a key part of the larger M2M landscape that enable 5G uptake. eSIM and iSIM are tailored to bring updatability and security needed for this burgeoning growth.
Easy integration of latest standards: The majority of digital transformation efforts of the past have been set in an era of ‘pave the road while we drive it’ in terms of security, i.e. design and implement best practice in anticipation of standards. Now, the GSMA’s collaborative efforts have built a key step toward secure by design, remotely provisioned and updatable- devices. The recently announced EAL5+ certification is another example where enhanced cellular level security is now readily available to devices engaging with sensitive data.
Easy access to ecosystems: Digital transformation creates the need to build on a wide range of internal and collaborative strengths and areas of expertise, necessitating collaboration over control. The power of ecosystems will offer a competitive edge to agile and adaptive enterprises.
These advances will not be without their challenges. Cybersecurity is repeatedly noted as a top concern for leaders in practically all industry sectors. 2022 presents the opportunity to set a new direction for a more secure digital future. If you are looking to understand how security can accelerate your business transformation, help is available, there are simple principles to adopt today that will help future proof your business or customers’ data.
The author is Vincent Korstanje is CEO of Kigen.
About the author
Vincent Korstanje is CEO of Kigen. As a provider of integrated security and a global provider of SIM technology, Kigen’s ecosystem is securing IoT to better our connected future. Find out more at here.
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