Silicon Labs - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Connectivity Standards Alliance ("Alliance") Product Security Working Group is pleased to announce the release of their IoT (Internet of Things) Device Security Specification 1.0, with the accompanying certification program, and Product Security Verified Mark. This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish a unified IoT cybersecurity standard and certification program, providing manufacturers with a one-stop solution to certify their devices, enabling them to comply with multiple international regulations and standards more easily. Diverse international regulations "The unveiling of the IoT Device Security Specification 1.0, alongside its certification program and the Product Security Verified Mark, signals an important milestone in bolstering IoT security and building confidence with consumers," said Tobin Richardson, Alliance President & CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance. "By bringing together diverse international regulations into a cohesive specification, the Product Security Certification Program streamlines the process, reduces redundancy, and provides manufacturers with a singular, respected avenue for certifying their devices globally." IoT Cybersecurity baselines The Product Security Working Group aims to meet this challenge by consolidating requirements With the increasing adoption of consumer IoT devices, there is a heightened emphasis on security due to a rise in incidents involving breaches and malicious device hijackings. The Product Security Working Group aims to meet this challenge by consolidating requirements from the three most popular IoT Cybersecurity baselines from the United States, Singapore, and Europe into a single specification and certification program. This unifying effort helps manufacturers more easily and efficiently address these regulatory regimes' requirements aiming to instil confidence in consumers and regulators. Value of IoT devices "As consumers embrace the convenience and value of IoT devices, the Alliance is dedicated to helping to create more comprehensive protection for consumers. This initiative aims to establish a robust baseline for all consumer IoT devices," said Steve Hanna of Infineon Technologies AG and Chair of the Product Security Working Group Steering Committee. "The Alliance's Product Security Verified Mark and IoT Device Security Specification 1.0 will make it easier for manufacturers to address consumer IoT security requirements around the world." IoT Device Security Specification 1.0 requirements The Product Security's IoT Device Security Specification includes dozens of specific device security provisions. IoT Device Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with those provisions, supplying justifications and evidence to an Authorised Test Laboratory with expertise in security evaluation and experience certifying products relative to this specification. Highlights of the specific requirements include: Unique identity for each IoT Device No hardcoded default passwords Secure storage of sensitive data on the Device Secure communications of security-relevant information Secure software updates throughout the support period Secure development process, including vulnerability management Public documentation regarding security, including the support period Driving requirements and specification These units spearheaded the process by driving needs and specification action Nearly 200 member companies — including  Amazon, Arm, Comcast, Google, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors, Schneider Electric, Signify (Philips Hue and WiZ), and Silicon Labs —  have collaborated, pooling related technologies, expertise, and innovations enabling the IoT Device Security Specification 1.0, the accompanying certification program, and Product Security Verified Mark to meet the diverse needs of stakeholders, including consumers, device manufacturers, and regulators. Together, these companies spearheaded the process by driving requirements and specification development and ultimately helping validate the final specification. The Product Security Certification Program and Verified Mark Product Security Verified Mark is proof a product meets the specification's security needs Encompassing a broad spectrum of smart home devices such as light bulbs, switches, thermostats, doorbell cameras, and more, the Product Security Certification Program establishes minimum requirements for IoT devices. By consolidating several international regulations into a single set of requirements, the Certification Program streamlines the process, helping manufacturers meet certification criteria from multiple countries or regions with a single evaluation. The Product Security Verified Mark is confirmation a product meets the specification's security requirements, with the goal of inspiring consumer confidence. When displayed prominently on certified product packaging, store signage, and online platforms, this Verified Mark builds trust by serving as a marker for secure IoT devices. A printed URL, hyperlink, QR code, or a combination of these representations on the Product Security Verified Mark gives consumers access to more information about the device's security features. Looking ahead As technology advances and new threats emerge, the Product Security Working Group remains committed to continuously enhancing the IoT Security Device Specification and the accompanying certification program. To learn more about how to be a part of the next generation of the IoT, visit here and become a Member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance.

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, announces a burst of updates including an exciting new member, availability of in-demand educational resources, and support for dozens of Z-Wave Alliance member companies at CES 2024. On the heels of announcing the newly elected Board of Directors, the bevy of announcements from the Z-Wave Alliance marks an explosive start to 2024. OliverIQ joins the Z-Wave Alliance Officially launched at CES 2024, OliverIQ (Venetian Expo Booth #51932) is on a mission to put smart home automation in reach for everyone with their Smart Home as a Service (SHaaS) solution. With OliverIQ, a single user-friendly app unites third-party connected devices within the home, backed by unlimited always-on support. With OliverIQ, a single user-friendly app unites third-party connected devices within the home OliverIQ has joined the Z-Wave Alliance at the manufacturer level and has meticulously engineered their Smart Home as a Service solution to seamlessly integrate user’s most desired smart home devices – many of which are Z-Wave-certified – into a single streamlined experience. This new solution provides users with a consolidated app and access to control over third-party devices, optional live security monitoring, remote monitoring, and management, as well as comprehensive technical service and support. New Z-Wave long-range resources Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR) has been engineered to provide significantly extended wireless range, support robust networks, and extend Z-Wave connectivity beyond the interior boundaries of the home to improve the wireless transmission range of peripheral Z-Wave devices. The technology responsible for ushering in a new era of Z-Wave connectivity and bringing expanded options for the smart home, multi-dwelling units, and hospitality use cases is the chosen topic for the latest round of published educational content produced by the Z-Wave Alliance. The Z-Wave Alliance announces the availability of the Z-Wave Long Range eBook and Alarm.com Water Dragon and Z-Wave Long Range case study. Benefits of Z-Wave LR ZWLR is the latest addition to the “WHY Z-WAVE” educational eBook series made by Z-Wave Alliance Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) is the latest addition to the “WHY Z-WAVE” educational eBook series created by the Z-Wave Alliance and is now available via the Alliance website. Produced for industry partners, members, and the market at large, the WHY Z-WAVE eBook series serves as the definitive guide to Z-Wave technology and how the Z-Wave protocol addresses existing and emerging markets.  As the latest published volume, the Z-Wave LR eBook covers network topology, showcases how the technology increases range, coverage, scalability, and dynamic power management, and discusses the benefits of Z-Wave LR for everyone including manufacturers, developers, installers, and consumers. Future-proof Z-Wave installations To showcase Z-Wave LR applications and benefits in the market, the Z-Wave Alliance announces the availability of the Water Dragon™ case study, published in partnership with Alarm.com and Silicon Labs. Available for download now, this informative case study examines the challenges faced by Alarm.com during the product development process and highlights how the Z-Wave 700 Series module from Silicon Labs with support for Z-Wave LR presented a clear solution to those challenges. The unique blend of these two parts is critical in helping future-proof Z-Wave installations As one of the premier brands in smart security and technology, the case study explores why Alarm.com chose to implement Z-Wave LR within the Water Dragon solution to achieve increased range capabilities and dynamic power control offered by the technology. The unique combination of these two features is critical in supporting future-proof Z-Wave installations since one of the most compelling use cases for sensors, especially those needing increased battery life, is the ability to deploy them in hard-to-reach places such as attics, basements, or behind walls. CES 2024 presence and support With over 30 member companies exhibiting at CES 2024, Z-Wave technology will be broadly displayed at the event. The full list of exhibiting Z-Wave Alliance membership companies will be available within the Z-Wave Alliance suite located at Tech West, Venetian and Palazzo Hospitality Suite #32-139. The Z-Wave Alliance is hosting a series of informative fireside chat sessions designed to excite and educate attendees about the state of Z-Wave technology and explore opportunity-rich verticals. Each of the three sessions will feature a unique presentation topic followed by a cocktail and networking event. The fireside chat series and topics are as follows: 1/9/24: The State of Z-Wave Chips 1/10/24: Parks Associates Presents: The Rise of Smart Homes in Multifamily Living 1/11/24: Learning to Build Smart Home Devices with Z-Wave Long-Range

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, announces the newly elected Z-Wave Alliance Board of Directors, shares updates on the organization’s upcoming core initiatives and announces upcoming 2024 events. Z-Wave Alliance Directors 2024 Effective, the updated roster of roles and representatives spanning the connected home and IoT industry is as follows: Chairman of the Board – Avi Rosenthal, bluesalve partners Vice Chairman of the Board – Gustaf Lonaeus, Alarm.com Treasurer – Kevin Kraus, Fortune Brands Innovation Secretary – Bill Scheffler, Trident IoT Chair Emeritus – Jonathan Adams, Amazon Director – Jake Alamat, Silicon Labs Director – Lisa Corte, ASSA ABLOY Director – Geoff Cummings, Johnson Controls Inc. Director – Scott Laing, Vivint Director – John Osborne, Lexi Devices Director – Andrew Weir, ADT Updated log of the Z-Wave Alliance Board of Directors The Z-Wave Alliance would like to wish Mitch Klein all the best in his future endeavours" In addition to the updated roster of the Z-Wave Alliance Board of Directors for 2024, the Z-Wave Alliance would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank and recognise Mitch Klein for all of his service and devotion during his tenure of Executive Director for the Z-Wave Alliance.  In light of all of his contributions and dedication, the newly elected Board of Directors unanimously agreed there is no replacement for the role Mitch Klein provided and has decided to retire the optional board position in his honour. The Z-Wave Alliance would like to wish Mitch Klein all the best in his future endeavours. Z-Wave Alliance membership “To say that the past year for Z-Wave and the Alliance has been transformative would be an understatement,” said Avi Rosenthal, Chairman of the Board for the Z-Wave Alliance. “In 2023 alone, the Z-Wave Alliance has taken swift action to fully ratify Z-Wave as an open-source technology by announcing silicon availability via an additional resource. Z-Wave Alliance membership, which remains paramount, benefitted through the expansion of available certification laboratories and the creation of new membership levels to broaden the organization’s reach, foster innovation, and add new opportunities for Z-Wave involvement. Even with all of that, the Z-Wave Alliance is just getting started.” Z-Wave open source and certification updates 2023 has been an explosive year for Open Z-Wave with some incredible milestones achieved At the end of 2022, the Z-Wave Alliance announced the release of the Z-Wave Source Code project which was published and made available to Z-Wave Alliance members on GitHub. Under the direct supervision of the Open-Source Work Group (OSWG), 2023 has been an explosive year for Open Z-Wave with some incredible milestones achieved.  As of December 2023, the GitHub for open-source Z-Wave reached 100 users across over 30 membership companies and over 130,000 lines of code have been added/modified. Z-Wave certification programme A testament to collaboration, the significant progress in the past twelve months solidifies the rich development environment that has been created to provide those with an interest in playing a direct role in the advancement of Z-Wave and has provided members an arena to come together and work to develop new command classes. On the certification front, 2023 was an equally impressive year for the Z-Wave certification programme. Across the year, a total of 160 new Z-Wave devices including 50 Z-Wave Long Range devices passed certification. These advancements bring the total number of Z-Wave devices that have been certified for interoperability regardless of manufacturer or silicon generation to over 4,400 devices. 2024 Z-Wave Alliance summit and unplug fest Z-Wave Alliance hold two ratified events in 2024 as a case to meet face-to-face with the cross-membership The Z-Wave Alliance will hold two sanctioned events in 2024 as a chance to meet face-to-face with the diverse membership including the companies and representatives responsible for developing on Z-Wave technology and bringing certified solutions to the market. “The most recent Z-Wave Alliance Summit and Unplug Fest was a resounding success, showcasing the most pressing Z-Wave advancements and the ever-evolving landscape of our industry,” said Gustaf Lonaeus, Vice Chairman of the Board for the Z-Wave Alliance. “The hands-on workshops and in-depth discussions on both the marketing and technical front are invaluable as a Z-Wave Alliance member and help provide practical, implementable strategies that chart the course for the future of Z-Wave. Our slated events for 2024 promise to be even more impactful, filled with new insights, strategies, and unparalleled networking opportunities. For those interested in not just keeping pace with change, but driving it, these Z-Wave events are for you.” Two sanctioned events In 2024, the Z-Wave Alliance will be opening up limited sessions within the agenda to both existing members and prospective members. The two sanctioned events in 2024 are as follows: April 30 – May 2, 2024 – Z-Wave Alliance Summit and Unplug Fest – Austin, TX October 21-23, 2024 – Z-Wave Alliance Summit – Seoul Korea