As we dive into 2022, we can confidently predict that there will be no slowdown in technical advancement, innovation or collaboration. There will be significant progress made for IoT, but at the same time, it may also prove costly for the security and safety of businesses and customers if the industry is not careful. Here, Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen, discusses some of the top IoT security trends and big ideas for the year.
3G sunset may light up new opportunities
By the end of 2022, many of the largest wireless carriers will begin shutting down their 3G networks – if they haven’t already done so. This is known as the 3G sunset or retirement, where 3G devices based on this network technology will no longer be connected.
With many countries entering their 3G sunset, initiatives to boost mobile connectivity and future-proof mobile networks with low power wide area network (LPWAN) and 5G are likely to benefit the industry. This could be a game changer, making it easier for new equipment manufacturers to enter the market. It will also be an opportunity for new network suppliers, integrators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to support customers and businesses looking to access the benefits of 5G.
Change in perception of security
Secure-by-design approaches have enabled many innovations during the pandemic, resulting in tremendous strides for product development and service implementation, bringing updatability to the forefront. Luckily, recognition of the importance of cyber-security is rising. The media is publishing cyber-crime stories on an almost daily basis, and manufacturers and service providers face considerable pressure from customers, governments and regulators if they are found neglecting their security responsibilities.
Networks race to be guardians of trust
Major network operators have recognised that leading the charge on secure-by-design solutions can be a huge differentiator, particularly in terms of the industry’s growth. In 2021, we already saw AT&T, KORE, Truphone and Soracom, along with Google, Infineon, SIMCom, Qualcomm, Quectel, Sequans and others, publicly show support for eSIM and the standards-based approach to iSIM. Watch this space closely as new leaders emerge.
Standards become standard
Most previous digital transformation efforts have followe a “pave the road while we drive it” approach in terms of security and the design and implementation of best practices in anticipation of standards. Now, GSMA’s collaborative efforts have built a key step towards secure-by-design, remotely provisioned and updatable devices.
The recently announced EAL5+ certification is another example where enhanced cellular-level security is now readily available to devices that engage with sensitive data. This year may see the first full GSMA-standard compliant iSIM solution in the market, enabling turnkey solutions for a wider set of industries. Chip memory and computation capabilities will not be a limitation to those wanting to adopt standards-based iSIM.
Post-quantum crypto on the horizon
Quantum computing operations are far faster than conventional capabilities and offer new possibilities. Equally, with such tremendously fast computational power, they can threaten even the best-known security algorithms. With service lifespans of IoT already extending to 15-20 years, these advanced lifespans may well be taken as a key consideration in the next generation of IoT deployment. Chip manufacturers are already carving a path to enabling post-quantum security without taking up additional memory or increasing in size. With that, we will continue to see the perseverance for progress as the collective industry collaborates to create lasting, sustainable and positive impact in IoT.
Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen will be exploring these ideas in further depth at the upcoming MWC’22 Barcelona event. Check out the agenda now. As a pioneer of integrated security and a global leader in SIM technology, Kigen’s ecosystem is securing IoT to better our connected future. Find out more at kigen.com.