Practical Advice and Expert Knowledge on Internet of Things (IoT) from Thales
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In exclusive interviews, Stephane Quetglas, Marketing Director at Thales Cybersecurity and Digital Identity, shared insights into the company's approach to IoT connectivity and security. The discussions took place following Thales' win at the Smart Cities & IoT Innovation Awards 2024 and the Future Digital Awards.
Thales is at the forefront of shaping the future of IoT innovation, with a focus on advancing their cybersecurity capabilities. One significant move was Thales' acquisition of Imperva, a leading data and application security provider, marking their entry into the application security market and significantly expanding their addressable market in IoT cybersecurity.
The company emphasises a multi-layered security-by-design approach that secures not only IoT devices but also the associated data, cloud apps, and services. This approach addresses challenges like managing device updates and patching security vulnerabilities frequently exploited by malware and cyberattacks on IoT devices.
Regarding connectivity, Thales considers that the choice of IoT connectivity technology has implications for security. Technologies enabling higher bandwidth permit more sophisticated and updatable security protocols. They also recognise that human error and application/hardware design oversights are often bigger security weaknesses than inherent network vulnerabilities. To mitigate these risks, Thales supports secure network environments enhanced by private APNs, IP VPNs, hardware security modules, and secure SIM technologies to protect data in transit and cloud connectivity.
Thales is leveraging acquisitions to bolster application and data security alongside traditional IoT device security. They promote a comprehensive, layered security approach addressing devices, connectivity, cloud integration, and human factors. Automation of patching, credential management, and continuous monitoring are best practices they emphasise for maintaining IoT security resilience.
Real-world applications of Thales' solutions include automotive, smart metering, and fixed wireless access for 5G home broadband. Secure automotive data and smart grid applications are examples of Thales' cybersecurity solutions. Comprehensive cybersecurity solutions from Thales extend from chips to the cloud, including device identity management and hardware secure modules (HSMs).
The GSMA IoT standard SGP.32 and regulatory impacts like the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) are trends shaping IoT security approaches. Thales' strategy aims to address end-to-end IoT security challenges in smart cities and enterprise IoT environments by integrating advanced software security tools, reducing manual update burdens, and ensuring secure IoT connectivity infrastructures.
Businesses can efficiently manage large-scale IoT networks with flexible eSIM products, which can be seamlessly integrated with various connectivity providers. These advancements position Thales as a key player in shaping the future of IoT innovation.
Technology plays a crucial role in Thales' IoT connectivity and security strategies, as they emphasize the importance of choosing IoT connectivity technology to support more sophisticated and updatable security protocols. Thales also focuses on automation of patching, credential management, and continuous monitoring as best practices for maintaining IoT security resilience.
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