McAfee Working to Improve IoT Security

Security vendor McAfee is redoubling its efforts to protect the growing network of Internet-connected devices that comprise the Internet of Things (IoT). As part of its all-inclusive plan for securing devices large and small, the company is rolling out a series of partnerships with fellow solutions providers and ensuring that devices receive life cycle security in our increasingly cloud-based world.

McAfee cited research from IDC, which found that the number of connected devices in the Internet of Things is expected to increase to 212 billion “things” by 2020, equating to about 27 connected devices per person. McAfee's objective, it said, is to maintain the trust of all of these devices without hindering the overall end user experience. To that end, this past month McAfee and parent company Intel Security have partnered with Wind River, Siemens and Schneider Electric to further secure customers against outside threats of various types.

But how can McAfee possibly secure several hundred billion devices, ranging from smartphones to cars and televisions? According to the company, it will institute a security plan that is ingrained within the design of these devices, instead of making security an afterthought (as is usually the case with most connected devices).

McAfee’s IoT strategy will hinge on a secure and holistic solution for locking down data across multiple environments, and also will ensure that devices are protected throughout the span of their lives. It also plans to support industry standards in terms of device interoperability as well as solve the challenge of connecting legacy and new systems, all while protecting user privacy.

While these promises may seem like a pipe dream, McAfee is confident it can pull it off by drawing from its vast experience within IT security field. Additionally, McAfee plans to leverage its capabilities with those of parent company Intel (INTC) and new partner company Wind River to ensure that they can these lofty goals. The announcement for McAfee’s future-proof IoT plans coincides with the introduction of Intel Gateway Solutions for IoT, a family of platforms based on existing Intel processors and proprietary McAfee and Wind River software for seamless interconnectivity with the IoT, according to the press release.

“Security needs to be built in as the foundation of the Internet of Things,” said Michael Fey, worldwide chief technology officer for Intel Security in a prepared statement. “Any disruption to these IP-connected devices can cause damage to the business and our daily lives. We need to have foresight into what is coming so we can prevent against threats and securely manage these devices. McAfee is enabling the future and the possibilities that the Internet of Things brings to our daily lives.”