Verizon division rolls out IoT testing and security program

Mechanicsburg, Pa, May 26, 2016: An independent division of Verizon, ICSA Labs, is rolling out a security testing program to provide assurance testing for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors. The program, said the company in a press statement, is believed to be among the first-of-its-kind.

icsalabsTo help companies mitigate risks associated with an increasingly connected world,ICSA Labs will test six components as part of the new IoT Security Testing and Certification Program including:  alert/logging, cryptography, authentication, communications, physical security, and platform security. The ICSA Labs Product Assurance Report found the majority of security devices fail to perform as intended.

“We expect the Internet of Things to be the next digital wave,” said George Japak, Managing Director, ICSA Labs. “Given the enormity and complexity of the space, it can be tricky for enterprises to navigate. We know from multiple recent studies that the number one concern among adopters is security and privacy, and our new IoT Security Testing and Certification Program directly addresses this concern.”

Certified devices and sensors that carry the ICSA Labs’ mark of approval will mean they having passed the testing. Any weakness or vulnerability found was mitigated and confirmed through further testing by ICSA Labs. In addition, certified devices will be tested over their lifecycle at regularly established intervals to help make the devices more secure.

“Currently very little exists in the form of organized testing and/or standards to ensure IoT devices and the data exchanged is protected,” said George. “This program is aimed at filling that gap especially as more companies embrace the IoT to streamline business and provide higher levels of customer service.”

Image Credit: ICSA Labs

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