Wi-SUN Alliance selects GlobalSign to provide Certificate Authority services to member companies
Phil Beecher, chairman, Wi-SUN Alliance
The Wi-SUN Alliance announced it has selected GlobalSign, a global Certificate Authority and provider of identity and security solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), to provide Certificate Authority (CA) services to Wi-SUN Alliance member companies. Every device that connects to the Wi-SUN Field Area Network (FAN)must include a certificate in order to authenticate its entry; this agreement will appoint GlobalSign as the exclusive third party supplier of certificates for the Wi-SUN FAN certification program to more than 150 Wi-SUN product companies. This provides further evidence of the Alliance’s commitment to making security central to its IoT network strategy.
“Many countries across the world will soon become reliant on the Internet of Things to deliver their electricity, control their street lighting, provide traffic management and many more common tasks to improve the quality of life for their citizens. However, the use of technology also increases the risk of hacking so network security is paramount,” says Phil Beecher, chairman, Wi-SUN Alliance.
“Certificate-based authentication is similar to a biometric passport in that it verifies that devices have not been tampered with or reprogrammed and will prevent any compromised devices from re-joining the network and causing any disruption, providing a level of security unsurpassed by other IoT technologies.”
“Wi-SUN Alliance member companies are deploying globally tens of millions of compatible IoT devices so it is essential that a Certificate Authority can operate at this scale. This is something GlobalSign is already experienced in doing. The partnership with GlobalSign is a significant step in our Field Area Network (FAN) certification program and demonstrates our commitment to lead the way in IoT communications technology, ensuring that security is central to our strategy,” adds Beecher.
A key factor in the Wi-SUN Alliance’s choice was GlobalSign’s strong ties to the electric grid marketplace, where GlobalSign’s long-standing commitment gives the company a deep understanding of the needs of the community within it, including the fact that its chief product officer, Lila Kee, is a board member of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB).
“Wi-SUN’s work in establishing communication standards is undoubtedly industry leading in the Utility and Smart City space,” said Lancen Lachance, vice president, product management, IoT identity solutions, GlobalSign. “Wi-SUN’s vision and forethought to establish standards for interoperable security into critical infrastructure is essential to grow a safe, reliable, connected ecosystem. We’re looking forward to working with Wi-SUN’s member companies to incorporate IoT security and identity into their high scale, high value environments.”
The Wi-SUN Alliance will be exhibiting at European Utility Week (booth number 1J92), which takes place at RAI Amsterdam from 3-5 October 2017.
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