Samsung Protects Connected Devices With Thales Security

Samsung is partnering with security firm Thales to boost the security of the Korean manufacturer’s range of connected devices, from smart fridges to televisions.

Thales will provide its cryptographic expertise to devices powered by the company’s Artik’s IoT platform, which allows manufacturers to connect their products to the wider Internet.

Safety first

Samsung says that Artik is able to solve many of the hardware and software headaches that plague manufacturers looking to release Internet of Things-connected devices.

This will now include security features such as encryption and log-in protection, as Thales’s cryptographic systems are able to offer services including cryptographic key generation, verification, signing and key management.

“In the new world of connected everything, trust and security are critical to the interaction of devices, people and things,” said Peter Galvin, vice president of strategy, Thales e-Security.

“Securing personal data, preventing unauthorized access or ensuring the integrity of things – be it a smart watch, TV, medical device or personal fitness product requires sophisticated security controls.”

A recent survey by GfK found that 91 percent of people said that they were aware of the term ‘smart home’, with two thirds (65 percent) having knowledge about the term and the technology surrounding it, with many highlighting the benefits that connected homes can bring.

And almost half (47 percent) of the respondents said that the technology will have more impact on their lives than wearable devices (31 percent).

A further report from analyst house Juniper predicted that consumer spending on smart homes and their associated products is set to skyrocket and reach $100 billion (£65bn) within the next five years, as this growth will push the number of connected appliances in smart homes to over 20 million by 2020.

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