The two companies said they will work together to influence best practices for retailers to minimize risk of cybersecurity threats
U.S. provider internet of things provider Pepper IoT has inked a long-term deal with Swiss digital security firm Kudelski Group to protect IoT service providers and retailers from cybersecurity risks and increase consumer confidence in connected device security.
The two companies said they will work together to influence best practices and criteria for retailers and service providers to minimize the risk of cybersecurity threats. They will also provide the tools and capabilities for device manufacturers to meet those best practices and criteria.
In 2020, the total number of IoT devices installed across the world will rise to 20.4 billion, according to analyst firm Gartner. The two companies highlighted that this explosive growth in connected devices creates an exponentially larger attack surface every year. Hackers and nation-states are increasingly leveraging IoT vulnerabilities to carry out DDoS attacks, steal consumer data and invade the privacy of homes and offices, the partners added.
Pepper IoT and Kudelski Group said that the partnership will leverage the Kudelski IoT Security Suite, a comprehensive set of services and solutions designed to make IoT security simple and scalable.
Kudelski offers cybersecurity advisory and testing expertise and managed security services that are delivered through Cyber Fusion Centers in the United States and Switzerland.
“It is terrifying to see millions of vulnerable connected devices being distributed to U.S. consumers who have no idea how their personal data is being used – and how easy it is for hackers to access their home Wi-Fi networks through these devices. For many reasons, IoT data and communications must be managed in the country of device purchase – and devices must be designed to protect against cyber security breach,” said Scott Ford, CEO at Pepper IoT, said.
“Consumers have a right to, and an expectation of, privacy regarding the devices in their homes that they interact with on a daily basis. Retailers and service providers have a duty to ensure the devices they are selling have proper privacy and security safeguards. By combining Pepper IoT’s powerful IoT operating system and service delivery platform with Kudelski’s expertise in device and data protection, we are working to secure IoT devices from the moment they’re manufactured through their long-term use in consumers’ homes,” said Jean-Michel Puiatti, SVP of IoT security at Kudelski Group.
Pepper IoT is a Kansas City-based IoT start-up. The company offers an operating system and service delivery platform that allow enterprises to deploy advanced IoT solutions.
