CTIA creates US cybersecurity initiative for cellular IoT devices

Meredith Attwell Baker © CTIA

Meredith Attwell Baker © CTIA

  • US wireless group announces Cybersecurity Certification Program
  • Developed in collaboration with US wireless providers
  • Program will begin accepting devices for testing in October
  • Builds upon IoT security recommendations from the NTIA and NIST

US wireless trade association the CTIA has this week announced the creation of its Cybersecurity Certification Program for cellular-connected IoT devices, developed in collaboration with the country’s nationwide wireless providers. It wants to ensure that cybersecurity is built into cellular IoT devices from the outset, in the hopes that this will offer more protection for consumers as well as the wireless infrastructure, creating a more secure foundation for smart cities, connected cars and other IoT applications.

According to Ericsson, IoT security is becoming a priority as the global market grows to 3.5 billion cellular-connected IoT devices, with a 48 per cent 5G mobile adoption rate expected in the US by 2023. The CTIA’s IoT Cybersecurity Certification Program builds upon IoT security recommendations from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It will begin accepting devices for certification testingstarting in October 2018.

The CTIA asserts that the US wireless industry has “long been a leader in cybersecurity best practices” and that the new Program is “a major step in building a trusted, secure wireless ecosystem” for the IoT sector.

Key Quotes from the four national telcos:

  • “Establishing a common and readily achievable security program that protects devices, consumers and our networks is a critical initiative,” said Cameron Coursey, VP, Product Development, IoT Solutions, AT&T.
  • “We are encouraged that CTIA is taking the initiative to establish security requirements that will help guide the ecosystem as we strive for a safer and more secure IoT future,” said Chris Schmidt, Executive Director, Device Technology, Verizon.
  • “By setting these standards, the wireless industry is proactively leading the charge to secure previously unsecure devices, protecting our networks and customers against cyberattacks,” said William Boni, SVP, Digital Security, T- Mobile.
  • “All operators and technology providers need to work together to ensure that robust security can foster continued growth and innovation,” said Ivo Rook, SVP, Internet of Things, Sprint

 

Original Press Release:

 

Wireless industry announces new Cybersecurity Certification Program for cellular-connected Internet of Things devices

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – CTIA, the wireless industry association, today announced the creation of the CTIA Cybersecurity Certification Program for cellular-connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The program is the first of its kind to be developed in collaboration with the nationwide wireless providers.

By offering certification for IoT devices built from the ground up with cybersecurity in mind, the program will protect consumers and wireless infrastructure, while creating a more secure foundation for smart cities, connected cars, mHealth and other IoT applications.

“America’s wireless industry has long been a leader in cybersecurity best practices and establishing an industry-led cybersecurity certification program for IoT devices is a major step in building a trusted, secure wireless ecosystem for the Internet of Things,” said Tom Sawanobori, CTIA SVP and Chief Technology Officer. “The IoT Cybersecurity Certification Program harnesses CTIA’s network of authorized labs and reflects our commitment to securing networks and devices in an increasingly connected wireless world.”

Leading wireless operators, technology companies, security experts and test labs collaborated to develop the program’s test requirements and plans. The program builds upon IoT security recommendations from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

For more than 25 years, CTIA’s Certification Working Groups have developed and managed product test plans and certification requirements for devices, networks and other wireless technologies, with over 70,000 certification requests handled to date by over 100 CTIA Authorized Test Labs. These programs ensure interoperability between wireless devices and networks, as well as set standards for a secure, high-performing and innovative wireless ecosystem.

The CTIA IoT Cybersecurity Certification Program will begin accepting devices for certification testing starting in October 2018. For more information on the program and how to participate, click here.

“Establishing a common and readily achievable security program that protects devices, consumers and our networks is a critical initiative as the IoT market continues to grow exponentially, both in the U.S. and globally.” – Cameron Coursey, VP, Product Development, IoT Solutions, AT&T

“IoT security is fast becoming a priority as the global market grows to 3.5 billion cellular-connected IoT devices, with a 48 percent 5G mobile adoption rate in the U.S. by 2023, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report. CTIA’s scalable and standards-aligned program complements Ericsson’s secure-by-design approach to developing, deploying and managing communications infrastructure.” – Tomas Ageskog, Head of Digital Services, Ericsson North America

“Designing for security from inception is a critical element of 5G networks, and by extension, the IoT. CTIA’s certification program will build on industry’s efforts in this area, thereby ensuring that trustworthiness of IoT devices and the networks is well established. This will be critical in driving consumer adoption and confidence and enabling the massive IoT growth that has been forecasted and to enable verticals to thrive in the future.” – Mike Murphy, CTO, Nokia North America

“IoT is increasingly important to all companies. We need to act proactively in securing the data of our customers, and this is not just a technology challenge, it is a collaboration challenge. All operators and technology providers need to work together to ensure that robust security can foster continued growth and innovation.”- Ivo Rook, Senior Vice President, Internet of Things, Sprint

“To realize the exciting promise of IoT, security must be considered at every turn. By setting these standards, the wireless industry is proactively leading the charge to secure previously unsecure devices, protecting our networks and customers against cyberattacks.” – William Boni, Senior Vice President, Digital Security, T- Mobile

“Verizon has long prioritized the security of our global IP network and wireless networks. We are encouraged that CTIA is taking the initiative to establish security requirements that will help guide the ecosystem as we strive for a safer and more secure IoT future.” – Chris Schmidt, Executive Director, Device Technology, Verizon

This content extract was originally sourced from an external website (CTIA Resource Library) and is the copyright of the external website owner. TelecomTV is not responsible for the content of external websites. Legal Notices

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