AT&T and Ericsson team up to offer testing to help safeguard IoT devices from growing cybersecurity threats
AT&T and Ericsson are joining forces to offer comprehensive IoT security testing and validation through the CTIA’s newly unveiled Cybersecurity Certification Program. The companies said the goal is to identify device vulnerabilities that could threaten the data collected and sent across communication networks. This will help businesses put appropriate cybersecurity defenses in place.
The announcement states that the program will cover a wide range of devices – from body cameras to connected streetlights, to utility meters, industrial routers and medical devices.
AT&T noted that it has seen more than a quadrupling in vulnerability scans of IoT devices at AT&T in the last two years. Only 10% of the organizations it surveyed are fully confident their devices have adequate security measures in place.
AT&T and Ericsson’s service is offered through the Cybersecurity Certification Program from the CTIA. Ericsson’s labs provide the CTIA’s certification. AT&T makes the certification available to businesses through its Professional Services IoT program.
Cameron Coursey, Vice President, IoT Solutions, AT&T says: “CTIA Cybersecurity certification will help our customers better protect themselves. It’s no secret security is a growing threat for IoT. Our work with Ericsson will help establish a common and readily achievable security program that protects devices, consumers and our networks.”
Tomas Ageskog, Vice President and Head of Digital Services, Ericsson North America, says: “As the number and diversity of IoT devices continue to rapidly grow, assuring the security of these devices is of paramount importance. Ericsson is the only network equipment provider accredited as a CTIA Authorized Test Lab for Cybersecurity Certification and we are pleased to be working with AT&T on this industry-leading initiative.”
