Christopher Schouten, Senior Director, IoT Security at Kudelski IoT spoke to IoT Insider about embedded security versus cybersecurity, the evolution of the threat landscape and the different legislation targeting issues of security in the latest episode of IoT Unplugged.
Schouten highlighted that the proliferation of IoT devices “to the tune of many billions” means that the threat landscape and threat surface has become much larger than before. The adoption of smart home devices presents a larger attack surface and because of the competitiveness in this particular market, some devices have gone to market without taking necessary security precautions.
He also emphasised the importance of secure by design, where device manufacturers ensure security from the outset, which continues throughout the product’s lifecycle. “We think [secure by design] is an important shift in mindset. It’s what the different regulations around the world are demanding, a stronger focus on secure by design,” Schouten said.
The conversation covered, crucially, differences between embedded security and conventional cybersecurity. Schouten used the example of hospitals, where embedded security in devices can prevent network-based attacks by ensuring devices are secure by design with features like cryptographic signatures and encrypted communications.
In closing, Schouten urged manufacturers to view security as an opportunity rather than a cost, emphasising that the shift towards a security-first culture is driven by regulatory demands and consumer expectations, and that Kudelski IoT is available to support this transition.
To hear more from Kudelski IoT on embedded security, tune into the full podcast episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at the link below.
The cybersecurity evolution: Embedded security – IoT Unplugged
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