IASME Consortium to Kick-start New IoT Assessment Scheme

The IASME Consortium has announced that it is launching an Internet of Things (IoT) security assessment scheme with an initial pilot project which will certify devices from 10 manufacturers free of charge. The scheme pilot is being partially funded by a grant from the United Kingdom's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which IASME and two other organisations were successful in winning.

Digital Infrastructure Minister, Matt Warman, said: "We want people to have confidence in the smart devices they are buying and for retailers to be sure they are stocking secure products. This funding will help make sure robust security standards for internet-connected products are built in from the start while also providing a boost for our burgeoning digital economy."

IASME is well known for helping companies to improve their cyber security through certification and guidance alongside a network of 250 Certification Bodies across the UK. The Consortium says it will use this experience to develop an accessible and affordable IoT certification scheme in advance of new IoT security legislation being rolled out in the UK.

The pilot will be open to any IoT devices that are sold to UK consumers and IASME is looking for 10 manufacturers to take part in the pilot, which is the first of its kind in the UK.

When asked about launching the pilot for the certification, Dr. Emma Philpott MBE, CEO of IASME, said: "Following discussions with the IoT Security Foundation about the need for a low-cost certification scheme for IoT devices, we are excited to be able to be able to start this pilot project with help of UK government funding. We are looking forward to being able to deliver our scheme across the UK and to ensuring that it is just as practical, affordable and accessible as the Cyber Essentials scheme.

"IASME is determined to help manufacturers to demonstrate that their IoT devices have the most important security controls in place for not only their peace of mind, but also for the reassurance of their customers."

You can read IFSEC Global's recent interview with Emma Philpott MBE, here.

If you are a manufacturer interested in being involved in this pilot for free, contact [email protected] for further information.

This story first appeared on IFSEC Global, part of the Informa Network, and a leading provider of news, features, videos and white papers for the security and fire industry. IFSEC Global covers developments in long-established physical technologies — like video surveillance, access control, intruder/fire alarms and guarding — and emerging innovations in cybersecurity, drones, smart buildings, home automation, the Internet of Things and more.