Strengthening CIoT security with secure cellular network gateways

#Discussion(IoTStack) [ via IoTForIndiaGroup ]

However, some things, for example, a gas pressure sensor, need to send small amounts of data and are too small, lack an external power source or simply in the interest of cost-efficiency cannot justify the business model for IP connectivity. Such things can communicate using non-IP protocols. A significant amount of IoT value creation will come from such devices. So, is it possible to connect millions of unsophisticated devices without compromising security?
Cellular IoT (CIoT) networks can be built using several technologies, including CAT-M1, LTE, Extended Coverage GSM or Narrowband IoT. Different technologies are suited to various IoT use cases, so it’s likely that many operators will build their CIoT networks to support more than one technology for maximum functionality. These networks will connect billions of small devices and other things, many of which are expected to send and receive very little data while consuming minimal power.

To achieve these small data transfers as efficiently as possible, 3GPP, referred to as Non-IP Data Delivery (NIDD) can transmit unstructured data without using an IP stack. This involves the forwarding of data to a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF), acting as a sort of network gateway within the 3GPP architecture, which then makes the data available via IP-based APIs. 3GPP standards have done a great job optimizing the architecture to extend device battery life, reduce network complexity and improve network performance. Mobile operators require extra safeguards to protect IoT devices — and their networks — from poorly written applications and serious security threats originating from hijacked dumb things.

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