The security of data and devices is a significant concern for modern-day iot devices. Manufactures and governments across the globe are upping their guard against security threats through these devices.
The latest in the line of these development comes from Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom. They have launched a Cybersecurity labeling system for IoT devices this week.
Secured Homes is the Key
As Homes become smarter and smarter every day with devices such as google home or Amazon Alexa, protecting personal data becomes a significant concern for consumers. Tons of personal data are collected and used by devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, and accessories such as smart wearables. So they become an easy target for cybercriminals.
In a survey carried out by Traficom regarding consumer attitude towards buying smart devices found out that every other Finnish person is concerned about the information security in smart devices. One of the other findings was two in three find it very important that it is easy to understand the information available on the information security of devices.
“The security level of devices in the market varies, and until now, there has been no easy way for consumers to know which products are safe and which are not. The Cybersecurity label launched today is a tool that makes purchase decisions easier by helping consumers identify devices that are sufficiently secure,” says Director Jarkko Saarimäki from the National Cyber Security Centre Finland (NCSC-FI) at Traficom.
The label has been designed mainly to tackle security threats for smart devices at home, says chief specialist Juhani Eronen from Traficom.
A website tietoturvamerkki.fi has been launched to make it easy to find information about the devices that have awarded the label will be easy for consumers. Manufacturers can also use the website to apply for the label for their devices.
The initiative led by NCSC-FI was started late last year as a pilot project in collaboration with Cozify Oy, DNA Plc, and Polar Electro Oy- three of the major smart device makers in Finland. The devices by these companies, Cozify Hub for smart homes, DNA’s Wattinen smart heating system, and the Polar Ignite fitness smartwatch, have now been awarded the labels.
Leaders in Europe
Across Europe, countries are taking many initiatives to curb security threats in IoT devices. Finland is the first country in Europe to start granting information security certificates to devices that pass the required tests. The Cybersecurity label launched today makes the country one of the key players in Europe in IoT security.
“The products that have been granted the label also have good chances of being awarded other European smart device certificates in the future,” says Juhani Eronen
