Open source encryption for the Internet of Things (IoT) could be a major game changer for the world at large. As technology makes more and more everyday items into “smart” items, connecting them to their users whether they’re present or not, the security of the connection of these devices is a major concern.
The answer may come from the world at large. When an open source option is created, it means that it’s a free option, available to all, and open to improvement from anyone who wants to help. This means there’s more opportunity to build better, more secure firewalls and security options.
End-to-end encryption is essential: security so tight that it prevents even the developers from accessing the data the app is collecting. Teserakt, a Swiss cryptography company, is working to create that kind of secure, end-to-end encryption for the IoT world at large. E4, Teserakt’s answer to IoT’s security problem, can be implemented into an IoT device’s servers to better protect user data as it travels from router to webcam to devices and their manufacturers.
E4 is aiming to be a more comprehensive approach to IoT security that hits every layer of data and transmission.
“What we have now is a whole lot of different devices in different industries sending and receiving data,” said Teserakt’s CEO Jean-Philippe Aumasson. “That data might be software updates, telemetry data, user data, personal data. So it should be protected between the device that produces it and the device that receives it, but technically it’s very hard when you don’t have the tools. So we wanted to build something that was easy for manufacturers to integrate at the software level.”
Another advantage of open source technology is that it allows other developers to study its construction and point out flaws and improve on its design, in real time. It saves time, energy and resources that could be better spent elsewhere, instead of trying to build security protocols from scratch.
This solution comes right in time, after a hacker published the login credentials for more than half a million smart devices, including servers and routers.
How does this apply to enterprise businesses? Crossovers between business technology and IoT are becoming more and more common, especially to streamline production, increase efficiency and better equip employees to do their jobs with the best tools available. Microsoft has made a Windows 10 IoT version that can run sensors, simple boards and solo programs. Other major tech companies are jumping into the game to create better options for their customers.
Regardless of the types of technology your company already leverages, it is likely IoT is – or soon will be – available to make your processes better. Ensuring those processes include encryption is as necessary as making sure your windshield wipers will work during a rainstorm.