- Global alliance driving IoT security agenda with key announcement -

MORGAN HILL, CA and BOSTON, MA – 2 October 2017 – The Wi-SUN Alliance today announced it 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,” adds 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).

“Wi-SUN’s work in establishing communication standards is undoubtedly industry leading in the Utility and Smart City space,” said Lancen Lachance, vice president, product management, IoT identity solutions, GlobalSign. “Wi-SUN’s vision and forethought to establish standards for interoperable security into critical infrastructure is essential to grow a safe, reliable, connected ecosystem. We’re looking forward to working with Wi-SUN’s member companies to incorporate IoT security and identity into their high scale, high value environments.”

The Wi-SUN Alliance will be exhibiting at European Utility Week (booth number 1J92), which takes place at RAI Amsterdam from 3-5 October 2017.

About the Wi-SUN Alliance

The Wi-SUN Alliance is a global non-profit member-based association comprised of industry leading companies. Its mission is to drive the global proliferation of interoperable wireless solutions for use in smart cities, smart grids and other Internet of Things (IoT) applications using open global standards from international standards organisations, such as IEEE802, IETF, TIA, TTC and ETSI. With more than 150 members worldwide, membership of the Wi-SUN Alliance is open to all industry stakeholders and includes silicon vendors, product vendors, services providers, utilities, universities, enterprises and municipalities and local government organisations.

Wi-SUN Alliance and the Wi-SUN Alliance logo are trademarks of the Wi-SUN Alliance.

About GMO GlobalSign

GlobalSign is the leading provider of trusted identity and security solutions enabling businesses, large enterprises, cloud service providers and IoT innovators around the world to secure online communications, manage millions of verified digital identities and automate authentication and encryption. Its high-scale Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and identity solutions support the billions of services, devices, people and things comprising the Internet of Everything (IoE). The company has offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit https://www.globalsign.com.

About GMO Cloud KK

GMO Cloud K.K. (TSE: 3788) is a full-service IT infrastructure provider focused on cloud solutions. Established as a hosting company in 1996, the company has managed servers for more than 130,000 businesses and now has 6,500 sales partners throughout Japan. In February of 2011, the company launched GMO Cloud to enhance its focus on cloud-based solutions. Since 2007, the company has also grown its GlobalSign SSL security brand through offices in Belgium, the U.K., the U.S., China and Singapore. For more information, please visit http://ir.gmocloud.com/english/

GMO Internet Group

GMO Internet Group is an Internet services industry leader, developing and operating Japan’s most widely used domain, hosting & cloud, ecommerce, security, and payment solutions. The Group also includes the world’s largest online FX trading platform, as well as online advertising, Internet media, and mobile entertainment products. GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.gmo.jp/en/.

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Louise Burke
Origin Communications
louise@origincomms.com
Tel: +44 (0)7917 176095