The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it will launch a multistakeholder process to explore Internet of Things (IOT) security and upgradeability this fall.
IOT is the concept of basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other). This includes everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of.
NTIA’s multistakeholder process could result in in common terms and definitions to standardize the upgrading process of IOT devices and methods to promote transparency in how upgrades to IOT devices and applications are deployed.
NAR submitted a comment letter to NTIA earlier this year regarding security and standardization for IOT devices. We look forward to participating in the announced multistakeholder process.