It will provide certificate authority services to member companies

The Wi-SUN Alliance has selected GlobalSign, a global Certificate Authority and leading provider of identity and security solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), to provide Certificate Authority (CA) services to Wi-SUN Alliance member companies.

Every device that connects to the Wi-SUN Field Area Network (FAN) must include a certificate in order to authenticate its entry; this agreement will appoint GlobalSign as the exclusive third party supplier of certificates for the Wi-SUN FAN certification program to more than 150 Wi-SUN product companies. This provides further evidence of the Alliance’s commitment to making security central to its IoT network strategy.

“Many countries across the world will soon become reliant on the Internet of Things to deliver their electricity, control their street lighting, provide traffic management and many more common tasks to improve the quality of life for their citizens. However, the use of technology also increases the risk of hacking so network security is paramount,” says Phil Beecher, chairman, Wi-SUN Alliance.

“Certificate-based authentication is similar to a biometric passport in that it verifies that devices have not been tampered with or reprogrammed and will prevent any compromised devices from re-joining the network and causing any disruption, providing a level of security unsurpassed by other IoT technologies.”

“Wi-SUN Alliance member companies are deploying globally tens of millions of compatible IoT devices so it is essential that a Certificate Authority can operate at this scale. This is something GlobalSign is already experienced in doing. The partnership with GlobalSign is a significant step in our Field Area Network (FAN) certification program and demonstrates our commitment to lead the way in IoT communications technology, ensuring that security is central to our strategy,” added Beecher.

A key factor in the Wi-SUN Alliance’s choice was GlobalSign’s strong ties to the electric grid marketplace, where GlobalSign’s long-standing commitment gives the company a deep understanding of the needs of the community within it, including the fact that its chief product officer, Lila Kee, is a board member of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB).