The IoT Security Foundation (IoTSF) announced at this week’s CyberUK event in Manchester a working group set up to advance IoT security through trusted device identities.

This working group builds on IoTSF’s legacy of IoT security initiatives, aiming to address critical challenges in the rapidly growing IoT ecosystem.

Alongside the launch, the IoTSF has released a white paper, “Building a System of Trust: The Power of Device Identities” available for download at tinyurl.com/DeviceIdentities. The paper outlines the role of device identities in establishing a secure chain of trust from silicon to systems, highlighting opportunities for collaboration along the supply chain.

The working group is chaired by Michael Richardson of Sandelman Software Works (www.sandelman.ca), a cyber-security expert, with Richard Seward from Device Authority (deviceauthority.com) serving as vice-chair. Together, they will lead efforts to raise awareness, simplify the adoption of device identities and develop industry-standard best practices for provisioning identities with the goal of ensuring a robust, future-ready IoT landscape.

“Device identities are critical to verifying authenticity and securing IoT systems at scale,” said Richardson. “This working group offers a unique opportunity to collaborate to safeguard billions of devices. I encourage all stakeholders to engage with the working group and join our mission.”

Seward, added: “The potential of device identities extends far beyond security, they enable interoperability and lifecycle management. Our first meeting will outline the group’s purpose and the urgent need for coordinated action. We’re excited to welcome both members and interested parties to this vital conversation.”

The IoTSF is inviting all stakeholders to download the white paper and join the online meeting on May 15, 2025, at 2pm BST. This session is open to IoTSF members and interested parties, it will outline the pressing need for device identity together with the goals of the working group. Zoom registration is available at tinyurl.com/Device-ID-Meeting.

“The IoTSF has a strong track record of driving impactful initiatives in IoT security, and the device identities working group is our latest step forward,” said John Moor, managing director of the IoTSF. “Device identities are the foundation of trust in IoT, and this working group will unite the industry to tackle challenges like awareness and use cases. We invite everyone to download the white paper and join us in shaping a secure IoT future.”

The IoTSF (iotsecurityfoundation.org) is a global, non-profit organisation dedicated to securing the IoT. Through research, best practices and collaborative initiatives, it helps industries build a safer, more resilient IoT ecosystem.