Kudelski Group And Pepper IoT Announce Joint Initiative To Protect Consumer Data On Connected Devices Bought In U.S. Retail

The Kudelski Group (SIX: KUD.S), the world leader in digital security, and Pepper IoT, the Internet of Things platform and service provider, announced today a long-term collaboration to protect IoT service providers and retailers from cybersecurity risks and increase consumer confidence in connected device security.

The two companies 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. 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 our homes and offices.

Comprehensive security: The partnership will leverage the Kudelski IoT Security Suite, a comprehensive set of services and solutions designed to make IoT security simple, scalable and sustainable.

Deep expertise: The Kudelski Group has more than 30 years of experience designing software and hardware-based security solutions. Kudelski has deep cybersecurity advisory and testing expertise and managed security services that are delivered through Cyber Fusion Centers in the United States and Switzerland.

Enabling large-scale IoT: Pepper IoT is a simple, flexible, multi-tenant and secure platform created to effectively enable big enterprises to design, launch, manage and monetize large-scale IoT services.

Scott Ford, CEO at Pepper IoT, said: “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.”

Jean-Michel Puiatti, senior vice president of IoT security at Kudelski Group, 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.” – CT Bureau