New US IoT law aims to improve edge device…

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The Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act will require device manufacturers to meet new security standards for government contracts. Carryover effect expected for the private sector.
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As the world moves toward interconnection of all electronic devices, the proverbial internet of things (IoT), device manufacturers prioritize speed to market and price over security. According to Nokia’s most recent threat intelligence report, IoT devices are responsible for almost a third of all mobile and Wi-Fi network infections.

This ratio will likely grow dramatically as the number of IoT devices continues its exponential growth. A recent report from Fortinet warns that the rapid introduction of edge devices will create opportunities for more advanced threats, allowing sophisticated attackers and advanced malware to “discover even more valuable data and trends using new EATs edge access Trojans and perform invasive activities such as intercept requests off the local network to compromise additional systems or inject additional attack commands.”

The Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act, passed by the House in September and unanimously approved by the Senate last week, is a step toward warding off these threats and providing greater security in IoT devices. The act is headed to the desk of President Trump, who is expected to sign it into law.

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