SEATTLE, WA, June 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequitur Labs Inc. today announced the release of CoreLockr™ – a software abstraction layer optimized for enforcing security on IoT devices and embedded systems. Called a “Security Enforcement Supervisor,” CoreLockr dramatically improves protection for IoT devices by:
CoreLockr supports the ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-A processor families and the MIPS architecture. Utilizing less than 8 KB of memory, CoreLockr can be used on very small, single sensor devices as well as those with richer capabilities, such as data gateways. CoreLockr is OS agnostic and also can be deployed on bare metal without an OS.
“Security breaches in the IoT and embedded systems markets can have catastrophic impact on individuals and critical national infrastructure. Security can no longer be an afterthought and must be designed in from the beginning,” said Steve Hoffenberg, Director of Industry Analysis for IoT and Embedded Technology at VDC Research.
CoreLockr embodies a service model, allowing developers to easily access hardware components as callable services. Developers don’t need to learn complex hardware implementation details; this is especially valuable for components like cryptography modules. CoreLockr’s service model extends to other on-board peripherals such as communication modules, microprocessors and sensors. The result is a consistent security framework across devices, hardware security implementations that are correct, and developers that are more productive. Removing complexity allows silicon vendors to lower their customers’ implementation costs and get to market faster.
CoreLockr further enhances device protection by enabling policy-based administration of devices via the built-in Policy Query Module (PQM). The PQM controls access to device resources and permits resource access as authorized by policy. Thus, playing a critical role in device lifecycle management. The PQM’s policy interface can accommodate various policy systems.
“Where IoT and embedded systems are concerned, point solutions such as TLS are inadequate. Combining resource isolation with policy enforcement assures device makers and their customers of the integrity of devices and the system in which they are connected. Security is not optional; simplifying implementation can reduce costs to a point where security is systematically designed in as it should be,” said Philip Attfield, CEO of Sequitur Labs.
CoreLockr enables a silicon vendor, or a device maker, to implement a standardized security framework across its product line. A standardized security model assures customers that security can be implemented in a consistent manner, thereby reducing the cost and effort to develop and manage systems of connected devices. This assurance increases customer loyalty and can directly impact revenues.
Hardware capability is evolving at an accelerated pace and the timeframe to bring new products to market is ever decreasing. The ability to rapidly upgrade hardware helps device makers react to market changes, potentially increasing revenue and lowering costs. CoreLockr’s abstracted approach and service model allow embedded applications to be refreshed and updated more frequently. They facilitate upgrading hardware with minimal changes to applications, resulting in faster product upgrades at lower costs.
CoreLockr is licensed by a wearables platform company to enable secure transactions such as payment processing. Sequitur is working with other silicon vendors to integrate CoreLockr with their product lines and engage in joint marketing and solution development.
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