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GCF and IMC Collaborate for IoT Security Certification

In recent news, the IoT M2M Council (IMC) has teamed up with the Global Certification Forum (GCF) to initiate a significant project aimed at developing a comprehensive cybersecurity certification for Internet of Things (IoT) services. This collaborative effort seeks to address the rising number of security breaches in the industry by introducing a more holistic approach to certification—one that encompasses not just devices but also networks and IoT cloud/app platforms.

The Need for a Comprehensive Approach to IoT Security

As the IoT landscape continues to grow, the risks associated with security breaches have escalated, and with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), safeguarding IoT systems is more critical than ever. Lars Nielsen, the CEO of GCF, highlighted the necessity of adopting a three-layered security strategy, stating, "We see ensuring all three layers of the IoT stack as the only way to truly provide incremental security, and companies that are involved in advancing IoT technology understand that."

The current certifications in the market predominantly focus on securing devices, leaving gaps in the wider ecosystem. The new initiative by GCF and IMC aims to bridge this divide by setting standards that apply across all facets of IoT, thus ensuring a more robust defense against potential security threats.

Industry Participation and Insights

A diverse range of leading technology firms, including Aeris, DEKRA, and Vodafone, have already committed to joining the Joint Task Force formed by GCF and IMC. The task force will examine the feasibility of this broad certification approach, which is poised to elevate security protocols within the industry.

A recent survey conducted by IMC revealed that 41% of responding companies consider enhanced IoT security as a competitive advantage that drives their revenue. Furthermore, the survey underscored the prevailing issue within the IoT ecosystem—companies grappling with inconsistent standards and regulations across various global markets. Sri Ramachandran, IMC Chair and CTO at Somos, elaborated on this concern, remarking, "We hope to help alleviate this issue."

Certification Scheme Promotion

The IMC plans to advocate this new certification scheme among its extensive network of 28,000 enterprise users and developers, fostering a greater adoption of enhanced security measures across the IoT sector. On the other hand, GCF currently certifies over 600 products annually from around 100 vendors in the realms of mobile and IoT devices. The organization has observed an increasing volume of certification activities centered around IoT services, indicating a market trend towards prioritizing device and data integrity.

For entities interested in actively participating in this Joint Task Force, registration is available through the IMC's official website. As the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) approaches, further details will be shared at IMC's booth and during their dedicated panel discussions, highlighting their ongoing commitment to improving IoT security standards.

About IMC and GCF

The IoT M2M Council is recognized as the largest professional body supporting the global IoT industry with a wide user base spanning over 30 vertical markets. Meanwhile, the Global Certification Forum has been at the forefront of establishing reliable and secure wireless communications for 25 years, focusing on conventional and advanced technologies, including 5G and IoT.

By uniting forces, GCF and IMC are addressing an urgent need in the IoT landscape, reinforcing the importance of security across all layers of the technology stack and paving the way for a more secure future in IoT services.