AT&T and Ericsson Team Up on IoT Cybersecurity

According to a recent announcement, AT&T and Ericsson are joining forces to offer comprehensive testing to help safeguard IoT devices from growing cybersecurity threats.

In the release, the companies said they have seen more than a quadrupling in vulnerability scans of IoT devices at AT&T in the last two years. Only 10 percent of the organizations they’ve surveyed report full confidence that their devices have adequate security measures in place.

To address this, AT&T has teamed with Ericsson to make it easier for businesses to get the baseline testing and validation they need to help make devices more secure. The service is to be offered through the recently announced CTIA Cybersecurity Certification Program.

The stated goal is to identify device vulnerabilities that could threaten the data collected and sent across communication networks in order to help businesses put appropriate cybersecurity defenses in place.

“It's no secret security is a growing threat for IoT. Our work with Ericsson will help establish a common and readily achievable security program that protects devices, consumers and our networks,” said Cameron Coursey, VP, IoT Solutions, AT&T. “CTIA Cybersecurity certification will help our customers better protect themselves.”

“As the number and diversity of IoT devices continue to rapidly grow, assuring the security of these devices is of paramount importance. Ericsson is the only network equipment provider accredited as a CTIA Authorized Test Lab for Cybersecurity Certification and we are pleased to be working with AT&T on this industry-leading initiative,” said Tomas Ageskog, VP and head of Digital Services, Ericsson North America.

The program covers a wide range of devices, from body cameras to connected streetlights, utility meters, industrial routers and medical devices.

Ericsson’s labs provide the CTIA certification. AT&T makes the certification available to businesses through our Professional Services for the IoT program.