The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the way we live and work, connecting devices across industries and homes.

However, with this expanding connectivity comes an equally expanding risk of cyber threats and data vulnerabilities. For embedded electronics engineers, it is imperative to prioritise security to safeguard both individual privacy and critical infrastructure.

This article explores nine IoT security trends shaping the future of connected devices.

From identifying vulnerabilities to the new technologies being used for security in IoT, these insights will better equip engineers to design and maintain secure, resilient IoT solutions.

1. Identifying device vulnerabilities

The biggest threat facing IoT devices is when they are used by malicious actors to gain access to personal home networks. Even with regulations such as UK PSTI, many IoT devices are still being shipped with sub-par security. When users put these IoT devices directly onto their home network, there is a danger that private data and systems can be accessed.

Some common attack vectors include:

The use of generic admin passwords
Not properly verifying update packages
Using HTTP instead of HTTPS for web connections

2. New advanced encryption technologies

High end IoT products, for instance smart home audio systems, like Sonos, CCTV cameras (Axis, Bosch), and Smart Vehicles such as the Tesla Model S are also starting to take security more seriously. For example, we’re seeing certificate-based authentication on more devices as standard, ensuring that only software and updates from the official manufacturer are allowed to run on the device.

For smart home security systems, Google’s Nest Secure alarm system uses advanced encryption to protect your home network and connected devices. It employs end-to-end encryption for all communications between the Nest Guard (the main hub), Nest Detect sensors, and the Nest app. While the Ring Alarm Pro by Amazon integrates a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router with advanced encryption. It uses WPA3 encryption, the latest standard in Wi-Fi security, to protect your home network and connected IoT devices.

Devices that are becoming more commonplace are using HTTPS rather than HTTP to encrypt data in transit. They are also making use of least-privileged access principles to prevent devices from accessing more data than they need to, particularly in cloud-based environments.

3. Biometric integration in IoT

Biometrics, such as fingerprints or retinal scanners, are a tricky area when it comes to IoT security. Manufacturers must be extremely careful with how they store any biometric data taken by their products due to its personal nature and high levels of regulation.

The addition of biometrics to IoT products is often seen in access control devices such as smart door locks. While this does, in theory, offer improved security over the traditional key lock, in reality they are usually fitted with a key lock for redundancy anyway. This in itself calls into question the security benefit of adding biometrics at all.

4. Zero Trust architecture

Traditional security systems work at the perimeter, such as when a user signs into their company laptop and they are authenticated to access the entire company network. Zero Trust goes beyond that and applies explicit authentication to every file, service or email individually.

IoT devices themselves might implement Zero Trust by enforcing end-to-end encryption of all data transmitted. Zero Trust architecture will do this by requiring authentication at the point where it is sending data and by not being allowed to talk to other IoT devices on the network unless explicitly required.

A simple example of this might be a temperature sensor that talks to the cloud, traditionally this might not have any security, sending readings over HTTP to a cloud API. In Zero Trust, the sensor would send data over HTTPS, be required to authenticate to the specific API it is calling and, through provisioning, be unable to impersonate any other temperature sensor.

5. AI-powered protection

AI comes in many shapes and sizes within the IoT world, from cameras that can remember your face to smart watches that are able to accurately detect if the wearer has fallen. While AI is often talked about with respect to robotics, the term has become somewhat of a catchall for what we really used to call algorithmic systems, where our devices appear to think and react to data.

In the security world, we have already seen significant practical benefits of applying AI concepts, most notably in pattern recognition. Security cameras in particular have documented this well, from the early days of simple video to progressing to very basic motion detection. Now, our cameras can not only determine whether it’s a vehicle, animal or person that’s visible but oftentimes who it is.

6. Blockchain for data integrity

The blockchain represents a specialised datastore that cannot be altered once it is written to. Depending on the sensitivity of the data, the blockchain may be accessible only to specific users or publicly verifiable.

When implementing blockchain technologies, the primary benefit is where multiple parties need access to historic data records. Use of a blockchain ensures no single party can tamper with the data after it is recorded, a large benefit over traditional systems where one party would typically own the datastore.

Within IoT, the blockchain is starting to see more use, especially in freight and safety critical applications where transport information or operational logs must be recorded for compliance. Companies such as Renault and Home Depot have already begun integrating IBM’s Blockchain for IoT technology in their supply chain process.

7. Regulatory Landscape for IoT Security

The UK’s Public Safety and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (PSTI) introduces measures to enhance the security of connected devices. The legislation applies to “relevant connectable products,” a term defined in Chapter 1, Section 5 of the Act, which broadly encompasses any device that connects to the internet, either directly or through a gateway, as well as devices that link to two or more other devices simultaneously.

By addressing the vulnerabilities inherent in connected technologies, the PSTI seeks to establish robust standards that mitigate cybersecurity risks and safeguard user data. This focus on connected devices reflects the growing reliance on the Internet of Things (IoT) and aims to ensure that manufacturers prioritise security features to protect consumers and critical digital infrastructure.

For manufacturers in the EU the EU Cyber Resilience Act is set to come into force before 2025, with product compliance mandated by 2027. The Act imposes stringent cybersecurity requirements on manufacturers, distributors, and importers of hardware and software products, to protect consumers and businesses from ever-growing cyber threats.

The CRA mandates a “secure-by-design” approach, requiring manufacturers to embed cybersecurity measures into every stage of the product lifecycle. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing robust security updates, and providing clear documentation to users. Manufacturers must also address vulnerabilities promptly and ensure that products meet strict cybersecurity standards before entering the market.

The CRA also places a strong emphasis on ongoing security support. Manufacturers are obligated to provide security updates and patches throughout a defined product lifecycle, ensuring that devices remain protected against emerging threats. This proactive approach aims to minimise the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

Based on the CRA, some advice for how to ensure security in IoT devices:

Passwords must be unique per product or be capable of being defined by the user of the product.
Manufacturers must provide without prior request, free of charge and in English, information on how to report security issues with their products and acknowledge these reports with a suitable response.
Security updates must have a clearly defined minimum update period as well as a documented end of life.

8. Future-proofing & emerging security trends

The cloud has quickly shaped the design and functionality of IoT devices by enabling manufacturers to integrate enhanced security features more efficiently.

Cloud-based provisioning mechanisms are increasingly being adopted, reducing the risk of rogue devices infiltrating networks by ensuring that only authenticated devices are granted access. Additionally, the cloud streamlines the update process, allowing for timely and reliable deployment of security patches and firmware updates to counteract potential vulnerabilities and malicious code.

This has also aided in the rollout of AI backed systems. Most notably, in risk-prioritised prevention, cloud systems can identify a normally acceptable security risk in a critical system as an unacceptable risk. Pooling knowledge from previous attacks across the entire network can also help AI systems identify threats earlier, before they can cause significant harm.

In the next five years, I suspect we’ll struggle to find any IoT products that don’t claim to be AI backed in one way or another. With increasing regulation, the days of simple IoT products are likely behind us. With every smart light or plug requiring much stricter security by law, IoT products will need a plethora of technologies to stay compliant
Ultimately this means we shouldn’t have to see news articles about smart fridges being compromised to mine crypto currency anymore, and feel more confident that our smart devices are secure.

9. Best practices for IoT Security

When designing and manufacturing connected IoT products, it is essential to make security a critical pillar of the product. Incorporating security features early in the product development lifecycle is often more efficient and cost-effective than attempting to retrofit compliance measures at the end of the production pipeline.

For those looking to learn more about general cyber security as well as IoT specifics, some of the best resources can be found in courses offered by the large cloud providers: Microsoft, Amazon and Google. Many of these are free of charge and available to anybody, not just those working professionally in the sector.

When collaborating with a design partner, don’t hesitate to inquire about IoT security expertise and ensure they are prepared to incorporate robust security measures into the design process. At ByteSnap Design, we have worked on both existing and emergent IoT security technology and know how important open communication about security expectations are when creating a secure and reliable product.

Conclusion

By staying informed about the latest trends and best practices, embedded engineers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to protect connected devices. From implementing advanced encryption to zero-trust architecture, these tools will help mitigate cyber risks, and safeguard critical and sensitive data.

As the IoT technology landscape evolves, engineers must integrate security considerations from the outset of the design process. By collaborating with security experts and staying updated on emerging threats, engineers can build IoT systems and devices that are not only cutting-edge but also resilient to cyberattacks.

The post 9 essential IoT security trends: safeguarding the future of connected devices appeared first on IoT Business News.

4G/5G drone-in-a-box solution, powered by AI-enabled soware, to help first responder agencies and industries keep communities and workers safer
Customers will benefit from enhanced situational awareness, remote operations, and faster decision-making

Nokia and Motorola Solutions announced a drone technology integration to launch an AI-enhanced turnkey, automated drone-in-a-box solution that sets a new standard for first responders and mission-critical industries, offering enhanced situational awareness, streamlined remote operations, and faster decision-making.

The solution integrates Nokia Drone Networks with Motorola Solutions’ CAPE drone software to help transform public safety and industrial operations, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Dispatching drones ahead of first responders enables early assessment of a situation’s severity, helping to support efficient resource allocation. The new solution enables public safety and mission-critical industries to remotely dispatch drones from one or multiple operation centers at a moment’s notice to assess emergencies and hazards while also receiving AI-powered intelligence that can inform and accelerate decisions to help keep workers, property, and premises safer.

CAPE software’s flight-safe features adjust the drone’s path to avoid obstacles, stay within a geofenced area, and adapt to changing terrain altitude, with assistive AI helping operators analyze real-time data. Nokia’s drone-in-a-box technology connects via 4G/LTE or 5G networks for broader reach and seamless remote operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs have demonstrated an increase in first responder safety by providing tactical intelligence, enabling better coordination, oversight and transparency in operations. For critical infrastructure industries like oil and gas, ports, utilities, mining, energy and manufacturing, the technology’s BVLOS and remote operation capabilities help to enhance industrial worker safety and lower the costs of operating hard-to-reach sites like offshore wind farms. Multiple drone-in-a-box systems can serve as a sustainable alternative to helicopters, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Roxana Kennedy, Chief of Police at Chula Vista Police Department in California, stated: “In 2018, we created and developed the world’s first public safety Drone as First Responder program in partnership with Motorola Solutions, utilizing their CAPE drone software. Since then, we’ve successfully flown over 21,000 missions. Our DFR program has been instrumental in critical life-and-death situations by providing aerial awareness or helping officers de-escalate incidents by delivering real-time, vital information.”

Jehan Wickramasuriya, corporate vice president of AI and Intelligence Platforms at Motorola Solutions said: “We’re innovating where our customers need us most to bring them better intelligence for faster decisions. This drone-in-a-box solution furthers our commitment to drone innovation that seamlessly fits within our customers’ current workflows to give those charged with our safety actionable live-stream insights while simplifying evidence collection.”

Stephan Litjens, Vice President of CNS Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions at Nokia, said: “We are proud to collaborate with an innovator like Motorola Solutions in this significant step toward a more mature and sustainable drone industry for the benefit of our customers, workers, and community. Together, we are setting technology best practices in drone connectivity and AI. With an open API architecture that facilitates easy integration with third-party applications, and other solutions like Nokia’s MX Grid, Nokia Drones-in-a-Box and Motorola Solutions’ CAPE software, we are transforming drones into daily helpers for public safety and mission-critical operations.”

Nokia Drone Networks are compliant with international industry standards and offer long-lasting technology with upgradable components that reduce electronic waste.

The post Nokia and Motorola Solutions Announce Drone Technology Integration for Public Safety and Mission Critical Industries appeared first on IoT Business News.

Berg Insight, the leading IoT market research provider, has in a new market research project found that the global installed base of active construction equipment (CE) OEM telematics systems reached 6.8 million units in 2023.

Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0 percent, the active installed base is forecasted to reach 12.1 million units worldwide in 2028. This includes all CE telematics systems marketed by construction equipment OEMs, either developed in-house or provided by the CE manufacturers in partnership with third-party telematics players.

The European market accounted for around 0.9 million active construction equipment OEM telematics systems at the end of 2023.
The North American market is estimated to be somewhat larger than the European.
The Rest of World moreover represents more than half of the global installed base of CE telematics systems provided by construction equipment OEMs.

Most major construction equipment OEMs have introduced telematics offerings for their customers either independently or in collaboration with telematics partners.

Rickard Andersson, Principal Analyst, Berg Insight, said:

“OEM telematics systems are today commonly factory-installed as standard at least for heavier machines and increasingly also for compact equipment.”

Berg Insight ranks Caterpillar as the leading construction equipment OEM in terms of the number of CE telematics systems deployed worldwide.

“Caterpillar, which is also by far the leading construction equipment manufacturer by market share, has well over 1 million connected assets in the construction equipment segment specifically”, continued Mr. Andersson. Based in the US, Caterpillar’s largest markets for its telematics offerings are North America and Europe.

“The runners-up are SANY and Komatsu based in China and Japan respectively, both major players on the respective domestic markets”, said Mr. Andersson.

He adds that Komatsu also has relatively large shares of its telematics units in North America, China and Europe. Other major players with several hundred thousand active CE telematics units include Sweden-based Volvo Construction Equipment, XCMG and Zoomlion in China, Japan-based Hitachi Construction Machinery and JCB headquartered in the UK. Deere & Company, HD Hyundai and Doosan Bobcat are also estimated to have reached the milestone of 100,000 units.

“Additional players having estimated installed bases of construction equipment telematics units in the tens of thousands include Liebherr, Terex, JLG Industries, CNH Industrial and Tadano”, concluded Mr. Andersson.

The post The installed base of construction equipment OEM telematics systems will reach 12 million units worldwide by 2028 appeared first on IoT Business News.

Fraikin Group accelerates its journey towards digitalisation and decarbonisation with Samsara’s Connected Operations® platform.

Fraikin Group, Europe’s largest Full Service Operation Lease company, is extending its long-standing collaboration with Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Cloud, as part of its increased investment in digitalising and decarbonising its fleet.

Following the deployment of Samsara AI Dash Cams, Asset Gateways, Door Monitors, Environmental Monitors, and Vehicle Gateways in 5,000+ vehicles in the UK, Fraikin is integrating Samsara’s cutting-edge AI technologies across 60,000 vehicles throughout its European operations.

For example, Fraikin is integrating advanced data and AI technologies into NeXa®, its flagship fleet management platform, to deliver a top-of-class solution for its customers. By leveraging Samsara’s real-time data and telematics, Fraikin is able to optimise its fleet maintenance across Europe, allowing for more precise tracking of vehicle health, maintenance, and improved operational efficiency. This integration will enhance Fraikin’s current services, providing fleet managers with actionable insights to reduce downtime, improve fuel efficiency, and streamline overall fleet operations.

Samsara’s integration positions Fraikin as a leader in fleet decarbonisation. With Samsara’s Connected Operations Platform, Fraikin can support its customers on their journey to zero-emission transport, providing the tools and data necessary to transition to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and other alternative fuel solutions.

This technology will also serve as an essential component for Fraikin’s upcoming eMSP (e-Mobility Service Provider) services, offering a seamless customer experience as it migrates to sustainable transport options. By combining NeXa® with Samsara’s capabilities, Fraikin is not only improving its current fleet management, but also setting the stage for future innovations, helping its customers achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining top-tier service standards.

Fraikin Group CEO, Yves Pétin, said: “Samsara plays a critical part in Fraikin’s mission to lead the future of sustainable fleet management. With over 80 years of experience, we are now deploying cutting-edge technology across 60,000+ vehicles, empowering our customers with real-time data to optimise fleet operations and reduce their environmental impact.”

“This collaboration is a key step in our expansion, ensuring we deliver premium, customer-focused solutions while supporting the transition to zero-emission fleets. At Fraikin, we’re building the future of fleet management together with our customers.”

Fraikin Group CDO, Edward Breedveld, added: “Digital transformation and decarbonisation are central to our strategy, and Samsara has played a crucial role in helping us build a standardised, future-proofed, and innovative platform. With this technology, we are greatly expanding our real-time data insights to optimise operations, minimise environmental impact, and ensure our vehicles meet the highest safety standards.”

Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA at Samsara, stated:

“Fraikin’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with Samsara’s mission to drive efficiency, safety and sustainability in physical operations. Together, we’re optimising the performance of fleet-based businesses and driving the future of smarter transportation.”

The post Fraikin and Samsara Strengthen IoT Partnership to Enhance Fleet Management Across Europe appeared first on IoT Business News.

The global installed base of active remote tank monitoring (RTM) solutions reached 9.3 million units at the end of 2023, according to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight.

Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.4 percent, the active installed base is estimated to reach 25.5 million units worldwide in 2028.

Berg Insight estimates that the European market accounted for close to 2.1 million active RTM systems at the end of 2023.

The North American market is estimated to be larger than the European at around 3.9 million active units.
The Asia-Pacific market is moreover estimated to represent an installed base of about 2.2 million RTM systems at the end of 2023.
South America and Middle East & Africa are smaller markets having installed bases of 465,000 units and 651,000 units respectively.

There are more than 100 RTM solution vendors active on the market worldwide and this report covers 67 companies. Berg Insight ranks Otodata once again as the leading RTM solution provider in terms of the active installed base worldwide with an installed base of about 2.0 million RTM units. Otodata is based in Canada and primarily focuses on the fuel reseller segment in North America. Otodata has so far acquired 3 companies to boost its growth plans: Wise Telemetry in April 2021, Wireless Applications Corporation (WACnGO) in December 2021 and AIUT’s LPG branch in June 2022. Anova and SkyBitz (Ametek) were in second and third place having achieved installed bases of about 1.1 million units and 245,000 units respectively. Anova has done a string of acquisitions including Independent Technologies, Wikon, ISA – Intelligent Sensing Anywhere, iTank (Sierra Wireless) and Silicon Controls to become the second largest RTM solution vendor with more than 2,000 customers in 80 countries. SkyBitz is based in the US and most of its tanks under management can be found in North America and a few in Mexico and other countries. German FoxInsights and Generac based in the US followed in fourth and fifth place and had installed bases of 150,000 and 130,000 tank monitoring systems respectively. Sensile Technologies, Dunraven Systems, Angus Energy, Kingspan and PowTechnology are also ranked among the largest providers with 70,000–110,000 units each.

Other RTM solution providers with installed bases of 24,000–50,000 RTM systems in active use at the end of 2023 include TankScan, Gasbot, Varec, Banner Engineering, FreeWave, Fourdata, GreenCityZen, Insite Platform Partners, Schmitt Industries and Tecson.

Merger and acquisition activity on this market is just about to commence at the same time as new innovative companies enter the market. Anova and Otodata have been the most ambitious consolidators on the market so far with five and three acquisitions respectively.

Johan Fagerberg, Principal Analyst, Berg Insight, said:

“Additional companies have recently started to look at in-organic grow opportunities more actively including for instance Measure Connect Display that acquired Top Fuel in Q4-2023 and Badger Meter that picked up Trimble’s water monitoring assets in Q1-2024.”

Mr. Fagerberg anticipates that the market consolidation of the remote tank monitoring industry will accelerate in the next five years.

The post The installed base of connected tanks to reach 25.5 million in 2028 appeared first on IoT Business News.

Wirepas interoperable RF mesh with Silicon Labs FG23 SoC delivers 99.9% reliability.

Silicon Labs, a global leader in secure, intelligent wireless technology, today announced that they have shipped four million FG23 SoCs for smart electricity meters as part of India’s Advanced Metering Initiative (AMI).

These FG23 SoCs use RF mesh technology from Wirepas, a leader in wireless connectivity solutions. The availability and performance of the chip has driven the adoption of highly reliable and efficient smart electricity metering solutions tailored to the specific needs of India’s dynamic and demanding power landscape.

Ross Sabolcik, Senior Vice President of the Industrial and Commercial Business Unit at Silicon Labs, said:

“We are proud to support India’s ambitious Advanced Metering Initiative with best-in-class performance for the modern smart metering demands of India’s energy sector,”

“The FG23 SoC with Wirepas RF mesh offers distinct advantages, particularly in large, dense environments.”

Silicon Labs and Wirepas help keep the lights on in India

The FG23 SoC, incorporating Wirepas Mesh Sub-GHz connectivity, has become an ideal solution for AMI deployments due to its infinite scalability, ultra-low power consumption, and ultra-resilience. For example, the Wirepas network continuously adjusts to environmental changes, seamlessly optimizing data paths. Even after power outages, the network quickly restructures within minutes, reliably meeting utilities’ strict requirements for data delivery. Its capability to meet the demanding communication and reliability requirements of India’s smart metering landscape has enabled solution providers to successfully meet and exceed customer needs with a 99.9% proven reliability.

Compared to traditional mesh protocols, the Silicon Labs FG23 SoC with Wirepas RF mesh offers:

Cost Efficiency: Streamlined operation with low overhead, reducing both capital and operational expenses throughout the deployment’s lifecycle.
Exceptional Reliability: Consistently achieves the 99.9% reliability required by utility providers, ensuring accurate meter data delivery to utility head-end systems every 15-minutes.
Urban Resilience: Maintains reliable data transmission in densely populated urban areas, effectively managing heavy radio traffic and interference from surrounding meters.
Rural Reach: Delivers robust performance across extensive distances, forming extended data chains that reliably span hundreds of kilometers in rural settings.

As part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in India, smart metering projects must meet rigorous standards, requiring adherence to the specifications set out in the Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) and compliance to Indian Standard IS 15959. The FG23 SoC, leveraging Wirepas RF mesh, meets these specifications, enabling solution providers to streamline integration while adhering to all regulatory requirements.

The post Powering India’s Energy Future: Silicon Labs ships four million chips with Wirepas for Advanced Metering Initiative appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, there were a total of 4,700 private LTE/5G networks deployed across the world at the end of 2024, excluding proof-of-concept (PoC) projects.

The market value for private LTE/5G network solutions reached an estimated US$ 1.8 billion in 2024.

Berg Insight believes that the market value for private LTE/5G network solutions will grow at a steady pace over the next five years, largely driven by new network deployments. Revenue growth will also be driven by upgrades and expansions of existing networks, as enterprises add new applications and transition from LTE to 5G. Growing at a CAGR of 38 percent, the total market value for private LTE/5G network solutions is forecasted to reach US$ 8.9 billion in 2029.

Melvin Sörum, IoT analyst at Berg Insight, said:

“The increased availability of dedicated spectrum and emergence of new use cases open up a wide range of opportunities for the cellular ecosystem.”

“The shift is fuelling a new wave of investments by established network equipment vendors while also attracting new entrants into the space. The historically supply-driven market is today also increasingly driven by organic demand from end users”, continued Mr. Sörum.

The major RAN vendors (Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei) all play significant roles as end-to-end solution providers and are challenged by a number of smaller RAN equipment providers. The vendors increasingly pursue channel-led sales strategies, and have developed ecosystems of mobile operators, system integrators, VARs and consulting partners to bring solutions to market. Berg Insight ranks Nokia as the largest private LTE/5G network solution vendor with about 800 customers and over 1,500 private network deployments at the end of 2024.

A number of small cell and other RAN equipment providers offer competitive LTE/5G radio products and in some cases complete private network offerings, including Airspan Networks, Askey, Baicells, Benetel, Cablefree, Celona, Firecell, GXC, JMA Wireless, Mavenir, Samsung Networks, Sercomm, Star Solutions and ZTE. Important specialised core network software vendors include Cisco, Cumucore, Druid Software, Expeto, Highway 9, HPE and Microsoft. In total, RAN and EPC/5GC offerings for private networks are available from over 60 vendors.

According to Berg Insight, the introduction of as-a-service business models is currently one of the strongest trends, along with the increased virtualization of network functions, implementation of the O-RAN concept in radio products and launch of neutral host network solutions. Other key trends identified by the research firm that could significantly impact private LTE/5G network adoption include regulatory changes and emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 and network slicing, which may serve as potential substitutes for private cellular networks.

The post The private LTE/5G market reached 4,700 network deployments and a market value of US$ 1.8 billion in 2024 appeared first on IoT Business News.

CRA and Netmore to Jointly Develop High-Growth Water and Gas Utility and Property Management Markets.

Netmore Group, a leading global LoRaWAN network operator, today announced that CRA, the largest Czech cloud service provider in the Czech Republic, has chosen Netmore’s Operator Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) to modernize and streamline the delivery of commercial Internet of Things (IoT) services to its customers.

Netmore PaaS enables CRA to not only deliver carrier-grade and future-proof LoRaWAN network connectivity, but also optimizes the company’s network monitoring and technical support for IoT deployments across multiple industries and use cases.

CRA’s IoT portfolio includes a nationwide LoRaWAN network which covers more than 80% of the nation’s population and IoT Cloud, a platform for standardizing the processing and integration of connected device data. CRA’s infrastructure supports a wide range of high-growth use cases that are complementary to Netmore’s focus within the smart metering, water management, environmental monitoring, and building automation segments.

Additionally, the partnership will focus on knowledge sharing to optimize network performance, conducting pre-rollout device testing, and establishing strategic joint partnerships within key industries.

“As LoRaWAN continues to grow as a preferred technology for connecting IoT applications, we need a platform capable of delivering operational value today and with the capacity to scale to support the digital transformation needs of Czech utilities and enterprise organizations far into the future,” said Petr Mozis, Chief Commercial Officer at CRA.

“In addition to robust network and device management features, Netmore’s Operator PaaS platform offers shared efficiencies, cost advantages, and scalability that will allow us to support domestic customers and expand into countries where Netmore and its partners operate LoRaWAN networks.”

Understanding that efficient resource utilization and adopting a shared platform are necessary to achieve a sustainable business model within IoT, customers across the globe are deploying and operating LoRaWAN networks with Netmore PaaS. This includes new customers as well as those transitioning from other platforms. As a trusted expert in network and device migrations, Netmore ensures an interruption-free migration process for operators transitioning to their PaaS platform, keeping IoT operations running smoothly with no downtime.

“CRA’s deep IoT expertise, technical capabilities, and established position in the Czech Republic make them an ideal partner for Netmore,” says Andreas Stenhager, Chief Commercial Officer at Netmore Group.

“We are pleased to have CRA join our Operator PaaS ecosystem, and we are committed to delivering scalable, reliable IoT connectivity to support innovation throughout the Czech Republic. We look forward to collaborating with CRA to help its domestic and cross-border customers gain new insights from their IoT data to drive automation and sustainability initiatives forward.”

The post CRA Selects Netmore Operator Platform-as-a-Service to Deliver Next-Generation LoRaWAN® Connectivity Services in the Czech Republic appeared first on IoT Business News.

Partnership enables seamless location tracking, remote diagnostics, vehicle unlock, and emergency communications.

Cubic Telecom, a leading global provider of software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, and Skylo Technologies, the pioneer in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications, have unveiled a commercial partnership that will see Cubic’s connectivity solution extended to include access to Skylo’s global network.

As part of this partnership, Skylo’s NTN solutions will be offered as a network connectivity option on Cubic’s industry leading solutions.

With Cubic connecting more than 21 million vehicles in over 190 countries, this new partnership enables global network coverage using standards-based NB-NTN chipsets and an efficient messaging protocol that maximizes the benefits of satellite connectivity. Skylo’s satellite network allows seamless switching between cellular and satellite, ensuring reliable communication for critical vehicle use cases, including location tracking, remote diagnostics, vehicle unlock, and emergency communications.

The new partnership aims to enhance NTN use cases, particularly in emergency communications. Satellite communication offers superior reliability and coverage, ensuring real-time communication in critical situations. This capability is essential for supporting emergency response teams, making a significant impact during disaster missions and helping to save lives.

“By integrating Skylo’s NTN capabilities with our software-defined vehicle solutions, we are elevating critical vehicle communications to new heights of energy efficiency, smart technology integration and robust security. This collaboration allows us to optimise energy usage through intelligent network management, harness cutting-edge smart technologies for seamless connectivity and reinforce security measures to protect data and communications. This will underscore our commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability, ensuring our customers can rely on secure connectivity whether on the road or in remote areas—especially during emergency situations,” said Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic Telecom.

Parthsarathi Trivedi, Co-Founder and CEO of Skylo, said:

“Skylo’s partnership with Cubic is a key enabler for OEMs to seamlessly bridge satellite and cellular networks for remote vehicle monitoring and control, emergency messaging, and roadside assistance in a cost-efficient way, with service that’s live and available today.”

“Operating with a standards-based solution provides automotive OEMs the predictability and reliability they need as they integrate satellite connectivity in their multi-year product roadmap.”

To bring satellite connectivity to new markets around the world, Skylo utilises dedicated, licensed mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum in existing, globally allocated satellite frequency bands. This allows ubiquitous and continuous coverage in rural and remote areas without requiring mobile network operators to share their valuable spectrum assets. It also avoids potential network interference that can occur when satellite and cellular networks attempt to share the same frequency bands. The overlay of MSS spectrum does not require exclusion zones and allows for the infill of those micro-holes that often exist in cellular coverage.

The post Cubic Telecom and Skylo Introduce Satellite Capabilities for Vehicles appeared first on IoT Business News.

As we approach 2025, the electronics and software design landscape is poised for a series of significant shifts.

The expert engineering team at ByteSnap Design has compiled a set of compelling predictions likely to define the industry in the coming year.

Here’s what we expect:

1 – Bluetooth 6.0: transforming connectivity

We will see a growing adoption of new features released with Bluetooth 6.0, including channel sounding and precision location tracking. Channel sounding enables the measurement of distance between devices with remarkable accuracy—up to 1 cm within a 150 m range.

These advances are likely to be adopted across various applications such as: enhanced inventory tracking in warehouses, precise device location for personal items and improved security for smart locks, preventing relay attacks.

For instance, in warehouse settings, we’ll see companies such as Amazon using this technology to precisely locate items in their vast distribution centres, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

In terms of security, manufacturers like Yale or August are likely to implement these features in smart locks to enhance safety. This would help prevent relay attacks by ensuring that locks only open when the authorized device is detected within a specific, close range.

The rollout of new Bluetooth 6.0 features like decision-based filtering and flexible packet transmission timing is expected to significantly enhance the performance and reliability of wireless communications. This will likely facilitate a wider range of applications and foster more robust, efficient, and secure connections across various devices.

2. Cybersecurity – a new era of secure design

2025 could be the year when ‘Secure by Design’ principles become mainstream, especially if major security breaches make headlines. This shift will affect sales of insecure devices, trigger widespread redesigns across various sectors, and encourage design teams to adopt pre-emptive strategies for product assessment and upgrades.

In the regulatory landscape, we envision a global push for security, led by the UK with the US and Europe following suit. New regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, which mandates robust security standards for all digital products, and US Executive Order 14028, which requires federal agencies and contractors to strengthen cybersecurity, are set to reshape the industry and drive a global focus on cybersecurity for connected devices. As a result, companies will need to prioritise security assessments of their product lines, and older, more vulnerable devices may face quicker obsolescence.

3. Semiconductor industry segmentation

We anticipate a more defined split within the microcontroller market, which will likely evolve into two distinct segments. The first will focus on microcontrollers equipped with advanced security features designed specifically for internet-connected applications. These devices will cater to the growing demand for IoT devices, smart home technologies, and other applications where data integrity and security are critical.

The second segment will consist of simpler, more cost-effective microcontrollers that do not incorporate these robust security features. These chips will be suitable for offline applications or devices that only connect indirectly to the internet. Such microcontrollers might be used in basic consumer electronics, traditional appliances, or industrial equipment that does not require complex interaction with networked environments.

To address the needs of different microcontroller market segments, major chip manufacturers may form an industry alliance to establish unified security standards. This alliance would create adaptable security frameworks across various devices, enhancing security and standardising development. Such standards would foster innovation and confidence among manufacturers, leading to more secure and reliable devices for consumers.

4. Development tools shifting towards user-friendly platforms

Due to its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is increasing in popularity among developers. We expect a significant shift in development environments, with more silicon vendors, led by Silicon Labs, adopting VS Code as their primary integrated development environment (IDE).

As Silicon Labs moves away from Simplicity Studio, adopting this universally accepted and flexible platform, other companies in the semiconductor industry may also reconsider their development environment strategies.

VS Code aligns with current trends where many developers, both in software and hardware fields, are favouring lightweight, customisable, and cross-platform tools. VS Code’s ability to support multiple languages and platforms makes it an attractive choice for IDEs.

This shift could broaden the accessibility of development tools and spur innovation among other IDE providers, potentially improving the range of tools available to developers and setting new industry standards.

5. Emerging technologies

In 2025, the AI bubble won’t be bursting; instead, we predict an expansion of AI applications specifically aimed at enhancing the embedded electronics sector. These applications will likely streamline development processes in embedded systems, improve threat detection and security measures crucial for protecting sensitive data on devices, and support the integration with blockchain technologies.

While not directly related to embedded systems, this integration is expected to facilitate secure and transparent inter-device communications and operations within embedded systems.

The post ByteSnap Design’s predictions for 2025: shaping the future of electronics and software design appeared first on IoT Business News.