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GCF and IMC Collaborate for IoT Security

In a monumental step towards bolstering Internet of Things (IoT) security, the IoT M2M Council (IMC), the largest global trade association focused on the IoT sector, and the Global Certification Forum (GCF), known for its mobile certification programs, have announced the establishment of a joint initiative aimed at developing a global cybersecurity certification for IoT services.

The aim of this initiative is to assess the feasibility of adopting a holistic methodology that encompasses devices, networks, and IoT cloud/application platforms. This is a notable shift from typical security certifications that primarily focus on device security.

Both organizations are set to provide more insights during the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) scheduled for January. Their joint efforts aim not only to enhance security mechanisms but also to facilitate compliance with various standards and regulations affecting the IoT ecosystem globally.

Industry Collaboration

A noteworthy array of leading technology and service providers within the IoT landscape have committed to this initiative, including recognized names such as Aeris, Digi International, Vodafone, and others. This collaboration invites additional companies eager to contribute towards advancing IoT security measures.

Lars Nielsen, GCF’s CEO, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, stating, "The surge in security breaches, paired with the rapid advancement of technologies like AI, makes this collaborative effort crucial. Addressing security concerns from all three layers of the IoT architecture is essential to provide comprehensive security solutions."

A recent survey conducted by the IMC revealed that 41% of respondents view enhanced IoT security as a competitive advantage that could fuel revenue growth. Furthermore, Sri Ramachandran, IMC Chair and CTO of Somos, emphasized the challenge faced by companies in navigating varied standards and regulations, underscoring the mission to ease these burdens.

Certification Scheme Promotion

The IMC is poised to promote this certification initiative to its extensive membership, which includes 28,000 enterprise users, product developers, and application creators utilizing IoT solutions. Meanwhile, the GCF boasts a robust certification track record, validating over 600 products annually across nearly 100 vendors, including smartphones and numerous IoT devices. According to Nielsen, the certifying activities related to IoT services are on the rise within the GCF framework.

This joint initiative not only aims to establish a new benchmark for security certification within the IoT sector but also seeks to unify the approach towards IoT security across various applications and regions.

For companies interested in getting involved in this task force, registration is available at IMC's official website.

About IMC and GCF

The IoT M2M Council (IMC) stands as the foremost professional organization focused exclusively on enhancing IoT capabilities and solutions, with a diverse membership spanning over 30 distinct vertical markets worldwide.

On the other hand, the Global Certification Forum (GCF) has spent over 25 years establishing itself as a leader in global certification efforts, ensuring interoperable devices and services that fortify wireless communications' reliability and security. For more information, you can visit their respective websites: IMC and GCF.