Telenet Tags SAM for IoT Home Security

Telenet Group is working with SAM Seamless Network to provide smart security across subscribers' home networks, the partners announced today.

This agreement marks the first direct deal for SAM Seamless Network with a European provider, although its technology already is in use on parts of Bezeq's network. The large Israeli telco was the first to deploy the Tel Aviv-based vendor's software-only cybersecurity solution, although SAM's solution is now in pilots at top-tier operators in Europe and North America, too, according to the vendor.

With constant reminders on the news of connected devices run awry -- a spying doll, a freezing home due to a hacked thermostat and a password-sharing doorbell -- consumers worry about IoT security. They should.

Many home PCs are inadequately secured so it's naïve to expect residential customers will ensure patch updates for the anticipated 25 billion IoT devices expected to be in use by 2021 -- if patching these typically Linux-based pieces of equipment is feasible at all.

"Most [of the devices] don't have any automatic patching capability, much less a system to warn the operator of the need to patch," F5 Labs' Sara Boddy and Raymond Pompon wrote in a paper on IoT security. "They use extremely poor authentication mechanisms … They usually don't have forensic capability and, in many cases, not even logging functions. If they do, logging is lightweight or easily compromised by an attacker. Manufacturers rarely provide 'secure' modes of operation or hardening procedures to lock down features. In fact, most IoT devices rarely offer any precautions to their users about placing these devices on the Internet or that any dangers exist at all."

The proliferation of IoT devices exposes consumers to a greater and growing threat, said Dann Rogge, vice president of product and customer journey at Telenet, in a statement.

"That seemingly innocent smart thermostat can be the perfect gateway to your smartphone, computer or that hard disk where you keep all your personal memories or business documents," he said. "Together with SAM, we are able to offer our customers a powerful yet simple solution to protect their connected devices, at home or in the office."

Like managed WiFi, cybersecurity services improve subscriber satisfaction and revenue, said Sivan Rauscher, SAM CEO and co-founder. With SAM, operators gain network visibility, management capabilities and new revenue streams by protecting all smart devices on the network without any subscriber action, she said. The software resides inside any gateway, and needs no additional hardware or additions on the IoT devices, according to the vendor.

"As IoT in the home continues to grow, so do threats to home security and data privacy. Home networks are fast becoming just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as businesses" Rauscher added, in a statement. "[Telenet] customers will now be able to enjoy online activities with complete peace of mind."

Related posts:

• BBWF Interview: NOS's Manuel Eanes on the Smart Home Opp for Telcos
• BBWF Interview: BT's Ben Azvine on the Impact of AI, ML on Cybersecurity & IT
• Securing Smart Homes Is Huge, Often Ignored, Opportunity

— Alison Diana, Editor, Broadband World News. Follow us on Twitter or @alisoncdiana. Like what you read: Sign up for our weekly newsletter.