Member Article

IoT innovator secures patent for smart lighting security breakthrough

UK smart LED specialist PhotonStar LED Group have secured a patent for a Internet of Things (IoT) security protocol that significantly increases the security of their smart lighting products.

The protocol, which is a key feature in the firm’s Halcyon range of wireless technology products, utilises a form of security authentication know as out-of-band authentication which requires two unconnected forms of verification before a device is allowed to access a network.

Aimed at the commissioning stage of IoT lighting, sensors, actuators and other devices, Hampshire-based PhotonStar claims the newly patented protocol will provide multiple options for different wireless devices to securely connect to a network without the need to be in physical contact or in proximity to the device.

Dr Majd Zoorob, CTO of PhotonStar, said: “We are delighted to receive grant of our first IoT secure commissioning patent. Our halcyon and halcyonPRO intelligent wireless lighting systems have the potential to play a significant role as secure, scalable platforms for real world commercial IoT applications.

“Security is an important requirement in IoT applications, and we are excited to announce this major development in our wireless network technology.”

IoT and the security question

With the global market for IoT devices predicted to grow to $1.7trn by 2020, adoption of smart lighting, appliances and other devices is expected to rapidly take off in the coming years.

However, there are already stark warnings by critics of the security risk posed by insecure interconnected devices in the home and workplace.

Smart lighting systems, such as the technology developed by PhotonStar, represent another in-road for hackers and other nefarious individuals into a business’ network. Theoretically, one insecure light bulb could bring down an organisation’s entire network, meaning security is paramount if the technology is to fulfill its potential.

Security concerns about the IoT are also spreading to consumers. A report published by London-based internet security firm BullGuard yesterday (Thursday), found that 72% of consumers who were surveyed did not know how to secure their connected devices, while 66% were worried about insecure devices.

Paul Lipman, Chief Executive Officer at BullGuard, said: “Consumers are clearly not equipped to handle the myriad of security risks presented by connected devices.”

“With devices such as security cameras, alarm systems and door locks now being connected to the internet, physical security is becoming as much of a consideration for consumers as data security. Keeping these devices secure is absolutely imperative.”

Evidently, security is paramount if the technology is to fulfill its potential and security innovations such as PhotonStar’s could go a long way in changing the perception of IoT devices as inherently insecure and unsafe.

However, just as important, is the need for consumer education. A network is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain, and with the wider population adopting IoT devices in ever greater numbers, teaching people how to properly and securely utilise the new technology is just as crucial as any security protocol.