Managing IoT Security: Why a Secure Element Isn’t Enough Without PKI
About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.
What is PKI?
The Challenge: Managing IoT Certificates
What Can Go Wrong with Certificates?
Compromise: A hacked device’s certificate can be misused, similar to how a stolen driver’s license can be exploited. Revoking it promptly is crucial to prevent unauthorized access.
Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured certificates can lead to communication failures and data breaches.
Compatibility: To ensure that the device can connect and operate within secured ecosystems like “Matter” for Smart Home, the certificate’s content and format need to comply with specific guidelines and it must be issued (signed) by a trusted authority… just like your driver’s lice
Why is Certificate Management Hard Without PKI?
SEALSQ’s INeS: The DMV for IoT Certificates
- Automated Issuance and Renewal: Automatically generate and renew certificates, reducing manual work and minimizing the risk of expired credentials.
- Scalable Management: Efficiently manage a small fleet or a global network of millions of devices, just like a modern DMV handles licenses for millions of drivers.
- Security and Compliance: Ensure all certificates meet the requirements of various cloud providers, providing the right “license” for every service and keeping your IoT devices secure and compliant.
- Root-Of-Trust accredited by major industry ecosystems (MATTER, GSMA, WI-Sun etc.)
- Automated Revocation: Instantly revoke compromised certificates and update all devices in real-time, eliminating security risks from compromised or expired certificates.
- Firmware signature for safe firmware updates
Why Choose SEALSQ and Symmetry Electronics?
Thank you to Symmetry Electronics' Sr. Field Application Engineer Brendan Henrich, for writing this very informative article.
About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.