Verizon turns its IoT attention to helping enterprises address security and authentication for massive deployments of connected devices.

Jason Meyers, Executive Editor

February 2, 2015

2 Min Read
Verizon Helps Manage IoT Security

Verizon is trying to make it easier for enterprises deploying thousands or millions of connected devices to keep track of them and ensure that they're following security and encryption protocols.

To that end, Verizon Enterprise Solutions recently launched an enterprise portal for its Managed Certificate Services platform that offers digital certificate creation and management capabilities for large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments ranging up into the tens of millions -- from vehicles to smart home gadgets to wearables to industrial devices and beyond.

The platform is designed to quickly authenticate objects and machines, verifying identity and facilitating secure data transmitted between the connections, says Johan Sys, managing principal for identity and access management at Verizon Enterprise Solutions.

"It's a first line of defense," Sys says. "It's a way for enterprises to pre-order very large batches of certificates which are then integrated during the manufacturing process."

For all the latest on the IoT, check out Light Reading's dedicated IoT content channel.

Verizon recently said that it had IoT and telematics revenue of $585 million in 2014. (See For Verizon, IoT Is All About Evolution .)

Managing security for enterprises venturing into the IoT represents another important role service providers can play as they seek to find and define their place in the IoT sector, and continue to diversify their importance beyond the role of connectivity provider -- whether that's in facilitating creation of enterprise IoT applications or helping enterprises address critical issues like security. (See AT&T Steps Up Its IoT Offensive and Will 2015 Bring IoT Resolution for Operators?)

"If you look at the IoT holistically, security is top of mind," Sys says. "We're providing a portal and the necessary template on the backend to address this very specific workflow."

According to Verizon, its service will be delivered via a portal with usage-based pricing.

— Jason Meyers, Senior Editor, Gigabit Cities/IoT, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Jason Meyers

Executive Editor

Jason Meyers joined the editorial staff of Light Reading in 2014 with more than 20 years of experience covering a broad range of business sectors. He is responsible for tracking and reporting on developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), Gigabit Cities and utility communications areas. He previously was Executive Editor of Entrepreneur magazine, overseeing all editorial operations, assignments and editorial staff for the monthly business publication. Prior to that, Meyers spent 15 years on the editorial staff of the former Telephony magazine, including eight years as Editor in Chief.

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like