Security

Kaspersky announces Smart Home Security, a new product to protect connected devices at home

Today, Kaspersky announces the release of Kaspersky Smart Home Security, a new offering that will help telecom operators respond to growing consumer demand for the protection of smart home devices. It provides comprehensive protection against a wide range of possible threats including device breakdowns, malicious attacks, covert surveillance and more. The product is installed on a router by a telecom operator, and users only need to download an application on a smartphone to control and monitor device security.

Presently, there is a trend shift from separate smart devices to a connected ecosystem consisting of several networked gadgets. In particular, the market for Internet of Things (IoT) devices has seen active growth recently with a dramatic increase of 23.1% in 2020. This trend highlights the need to provide comprehensive protection of this ecosystem from a wide range of threats. This is also supported by a report that shows the number of attacks aimed at hacking connected devices has doubled since the previous year (from 16.17% to 32.72%).

The new product combines several key aspects of cybersecurity, including protection against malware, hidden surveillance, internet control and more. In particular, the intrusion control set includes AV file scanning, blocking brute-force attacks, checking suspicious URLs and monitoring internet ports and protocols.

The security check kit lets customers control the level of security for the system and devices. The product will notify a user if passwords for devices are too weak and will also help choose a new and secure option. In addition, the set includes checking internet protocols and vulnerable internet ports. 

Kaspersky Smart Home Security also provides parents with the ability to set internet usage restrictions for their children, such as using the internet at night or other undesirable times, and to prevent visits to inappropriate websites.

“We see the popularity of smart home devices growing every year. Naturally, in parallel with this, the number of various attacks aimed at hacking connected devices is also growing,” comments Oleg Nevstruev, head of customized & technology products management at Kaspersky. “Considering that smart home is not a temporary trend, but our future, it is obvious that this category of devices requires a complete product that will provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats. We believe Kaspersky Smart Home Security will help telecom operators respond to the growing demand from users to protect devices for their smart home.”

“Our new offer is the result of many years’ successful work with operators all over the globe,” comments Alexey Gromyko, head of global xSP Projects. “We know the challenges our telco partners face as new technologies emerge. The new product will protect users and detail the current protection levels of the home IoT ecosystem. The operator also needs to use the CPE devices already deployed in the customers’ modes, and these demands have been considered during the solution’s development.”

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Industrial IoT

emnify and Skylo Unveils Converged Connectivity at MWC

Skylo Technologies | September 25, 2023

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Infrastructure, Industrial IoT

Tuya Smart, AWS Jointly Establish Collaborative IoT Security Lab

Staff Writer | September 07, 2023

Tuya Smart, an IoT service provider leader, and Amazon Web Services have collaborated to establish an IoT Collaborative Security Lab. This announcement at the re:Inforce China conference aims to enhance security, compliance capabilities, and technological innovation in the IoT industry, focusing on Matter PKI, DevSecOps, privacy computing, and international data compliance. It has prioritized security and compliance in IoT, actively engaging in IoT security initiatives and standards development. Chief Information Security Officer, Joy Liu at Tuya Smart said, Since the first day of its establishment, Tuya has regarded security and compliance as the core of our strategy and has always persisted in long-term construction and investment in security. [Source: Tuya Smart] Tuya Smart and AWS have been cooperating for nearly ten years, added Joy Liu. This has resulted in a deep integration of their cloud security products and a strengthening commitment to IoT security. In product design, Tuya systematically breaks down security requirements into actionable steps, ensuring security measures are integrated throughout the development process. This includes continuous monitoring, Zero Trust Provisioning over-the-air enhancements, user-focused privacy solutions, and vulnerability mitigation to enhance product security and dependability. The Tuya IoT Development Platform has registered over 846,000 developers from over 200 countries and regions as of 30 June 2023. In the ‘2022 Global IoT Security White Paper’ published jointlyby theioXt Alliance (Internet of Secure Things Alliance) andResearch Center for Cyber Governance (RCGCG) in 2022, Tuya Smart was recognized as one of the businesses with the most effective security practices. With the increasing application scenarios and the number of devices in the IoT, security concerns have become increasingly complicated. The 'Collaborative Security Lab,' a joint venture between AWS and Tuya Smart, strengthens both parties for IoT domain cooperation and exploration. This collaborative effort aims to provide industry-wide solutions. About Tuya Smart Tuya Smart is a technology company at the forefront of IoT connectivity solutions. Its cloud platform facilitates seamless device interconnectivity, setting interoperability standards for smart devices across industries. The company empowers partners and customers to enhance product value and consumer convenience. Its expanding Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings prioritize data security. Tuya’s transparent and open information security strategy increases partner and expert participation, thereby consolidating industry standards.

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Enterprise Iot

Qualcomm Aware Enhances Global Connectivity, Joins Hands with floLIVE

floLIVE | September 11, 2023

floLIVE, the global creator of the largest hyperlocal global cellular network and a provider of global connectivity and network solutions for IoT has announced a collaborative effort with Qualcomm Technologies, a leading provider of advanced wireless technologies. This partnership aims to enhance connectivity globally on the innovative Qualcomm Aware Platform. The collaboration between floLIVE and Qualcomm Technologies has global implications as it seeks to address the IoT connectivity challenges faced by enterprises worldwide, benefiting diverse industries. The integration of floLIVE's expertise into the Qualcomm Aware Platform underscores their commitment to providing innovative global connectivity solutions. floLIVE's contribution to the Qualcomm Aware ecosystem brings unique hyperlocal global cellular network capabilities to the table. This network, tailored for OEMs and global enterprises, complements Qualcomm Aware's suite of technologies and intelligence. Together, they offer nearly seamless local connectivity woldwide, redefining how IoT devices connect and communicate globally. Qualcomm Aware targets issues related to ecosystem fragmentation and system design complexity, offering differentiated services for managing assets that require precise and timely decision-making. One of the significant challenges enterprises encounter is the time and cost associated with establishing reliable connectivity. floLIVE's solution addresses these concerns by enhancing connectivity reliability, enabling devices to access a global network operator database, and overcoming roaming restrictions. President, Americas at floLIVE, Curtis Govan, stated, Qualcomm Technologies' integration of floLIVE into the Qualcomm Aware Platform to help enhance global connectivity is a testament to our dedication to delivering innovative and impactful global connectivity solutions. [Source: Cision PR newswire] Curtis further said that they are excited to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies to bring their hyperlocal cellular network expertise to Qualcomm Aware, empowering businesses to harness the full potential of IoT. Mohammed Ansari, Senior Director of Business Development at Qualcomm Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of floLIVE into the Qualcomm Aware ecosystem as a collaboration partner. He noted that a significant feature of Qualcomm Aware is its capacity to incorporate and enhance global IoT device connectivity intelligently, with a strong emphasis on security. Additionally, he highlighted the system's ability to intelligently oversee the connection from the device to the cloud, tailored to meet customers' requirements across various industries. Qualcomm Technologies is set to revolutionize the IoT landscape with its Qualcomm Aware platform, designed to unify and optimize developer tools, hardware, software, positioning capabilities at the chipset level, and global connectivity. This initiative will add digital intelligence, visibility, and control to enterprises while simplifying the complexities and challenges of IoT deployment. About floLIVE floLIVE operates the world's premier hyperlocal global cellular data network, strategically positioned with local points of presence (POPs) across numerous international locations. One can easily monitor their devices, access real-time network data and events, remotely switch operators, and proactively address potential issues, ensuring uninterrupted device performance. Its network provides direct access, allowing it to manage connectivity, while its global connectivity library is unparalleled in its scope, offering centrally managed, localized connectivity solutions for any device, anywhere. This global reach empowers businesses to operate without geographical constraints, while its localized approach ensures minimal latency, exceptional performance, and full compliance with privacy regulations, data laws, and roaming restrictions.

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IoT Security

SecurityGen expands in Middle East, Aligns with Digital Growth

SecurityGen | October 12, 2023

Cybersecurity provider SecurityGen is expanding its operations in the Middle East to support the region's accelerated growth of 5G and digital transformation initiatives. With the rapid growth of 5G and initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, there is a significant need for secure high-speed broadband networks in the Middle East. Cities in the region are utilizing 5G for IoT-based applications like 'Smart City' initiatives, and operators need to ensure network security to capitalize on these opportunities. 5G is expanding quicker than any other mobile generation in history. However, this increases the risk of cyberattacks against operators and their consumers. By 2025, there will be approximately 50 million 5G connections in the MENA region, with approximately 20 million in the GCC Arab States. By 2025, the GCC Arab States will be marginally ahead of the global average in terms of 5G adoption, with 16 percent (5G as a percentage of total mobile connections) versus 15 percent globally. Amit Nath, Co-founder and CEO at SecurityGen, stated, The Middle East represents potential for significant growth in 5G over the next few years. As the region expands culturally and economically via digital transformation projects along with ambitious initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Saudi Vision 2030, the spotlight is on the telecom operators and how they deliver secure high-speed broadband to communities in the areas beyond the reach of wireline networks. [Source: Cision PR Newswire] SecurityGen will bolster its presence in the Middle East by enhancing its delivery capabilities and senior leadership. This expansion aims to cater to the growing adoption of 5G and IoT-based projects in the region, helping telecom operators secure their networks from cyber threats. SecurityGen's new Managing Director for the Middle East & Africa, Imad Ayad, with over 20 years of experience in telecom and tech, will drive growth and strengthen partnerships with operators and enterprises in the region. Nath added that their appointment of Imad Ayad as the new Managing Director for Middle East & Africa at SecurityGen aimed to facilitate further growth throughout the region. Ayad possesses more than two decades of experience in leading roles within the telecommunications and technology sectors, including significant positions at Nokia, Alfa Telecommunications, Enghouse Networks, and Tranglo. Nath also emphasized that Ayad's specialized background in Value-Added Services (VAS) and SMS security, combined with SecurityGen's extensive expertise and established security solutions, positioned them as an ideal partner for operators expanding their 5G operations in the region, with a primary focus on cybersecurity. About SecurityGen SecurityGen, established in 2022, is a worldwide entity with a dedicated focus on telecommunications security. Their mission revolves around establishing a strong security framework to facilitate secure telecom digital transformations and guarantee the safety and resilience of network operations. The organization's comprehensive range of products and services is strategically designed to offer an all-encompassing defense against both established and cutting-edge telecom security threats.

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