AFWERX Makes a 5G-Enabled IoT Security Investment

The Air Force's innovation arm is looking at innovative ways to protect its networks, due to the development of internet-of-things technology and the introduction of 5G.

Phosphorus Cybersecurity has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract by AFWERX. Under the terms of the deal, the company will assist the Air Force in developing a flexible security infrastructure to ensure that the 5G-enabled IoT devices it intends to install do not increase the network attack surface.

The company's technology automates IoT inventory, patching, and credential management, allowing businesses to scale apps more quickly.

Most automated security policy compliance solutions, such as inventory management, password rotation, and firmware updates, are currently designed for desktops and standard network services. It's now essential to introduce that approach to IoT and 5G-enabled devices, said the company officials.

“What’s needed now is a solution for the other third of the network consisting of IoT to prevent the next ‘Verkada’ [surveillance camera hack] while enabling the warfighter to adopt next-generation technology,” Phosphorus Founder and CEO Chris Rouland said.

“Adapting Phosphorus’s solution to 5G in support of this effort is critical to promoting the zero-trust environment necessary to secure our defense networks,” he added.