Israeli companies Variscite and Check Point are working together to enhance IoT and embedded device security.

Variscite is a system-on-module (SoM) designer, developer and manufacturer. Check Point Software Technologies specialises in cyber security.

Check Point’s Quantum IoT Protect, powered by its Nano Agent, strengthens built-in firmware security and delivers device-level protection. It safeguards against unauthorised access, secures logins, protects user data and privacy, and enhances workload security and system hardening. The Nano Agent defends connected devices against cyber threats, including denial-of-service attacks, malware, botnets, exploits, and known and zero-day vulnerabilities.

Thanks to this collaboration, Variscite’s customers will be able to access and use Check Point Nano Agent with Variscite’s SoMs, complementing its own built-in security and extending cyber protection to the entire device. The small-footprint software requires little storage, memory and CPU requirements, and is easy to implement by installing on top of Variscite’s software platform without any editing of drivers.

Nano Agent also helps device manufacturers comply with the EU’s new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which introduced mandatory security requirements for connected devices to protect consumers, businesses and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

“IoT and edge devices are inherently vulnerable, often left unpatched or outdated by end users, making them prime targets for cyber criminals,” said Miri Ofir, R&D director at Check Point (www.checkpoint.com). “By integrating the Nano Agent into their Variscite-based designs, developers can seamlessly secure the device, application and data from the design stage while ensuring compliance with cyber-security regulations. The Nano Agent reduces the need for frequent patching by employing advanced protection and mitigation techniques to proactively block attacks.”

Ofer Austerlitz, vice president at Variscite, added: “This partnership gives Variscite customers trusted, proven security from one of the world’s leading cyber-security companies, ease of integration and ease of management. This collaboration benefits organisations worldwide who wish to ensure their products meet existing and future security regulations, such as the coming CRA in the EU.”

Since 2003, Variscite (www.variscite.com) has offered Arm-based SoMs for the embedded market, featuring configuration options that span from entry-level to high-performance, powered by SoCs such as the NXP i.MX9, i.MX8, i.MX7 and i.MX6 series. In-house production complies with ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 medical and industrial standards.