ARM steps up IoT security with Offspark buy

ARM has stepped up its activity in the Internet of Things sector by buying security software company Offspark.

The Dutch company’s PolarSSL technology already features in a range of devices including sensor and communication modules, as well as smartphones.

ARM said the acquisition of the security specialist would help developers that are using its mbed platform, which it launched last year, to build products with communication security and software cryptography.

The company is planning to rebrand PolarSSL, a Transport Layer Security (TLS) solution, as ARM mbed TLS. It will continue to make it open source and available to developers commercially.

ARM is part of a consortium of companies, including Samsung and Google Nest, that formed the Thread Group last year. This aims to develop solutions to interoperability and other factors holding back the smart home.

Developers will be able to buy ARM mbed TLS on its own or as part of the mbed OS platform. ARM said it is planning to release the operating system under an Apache 2.0 free software licence towards the end of this year, which will include the new TLS, Thread software and other IoT technologies.

Krisztian Flautner, General Manager, IoT Business, ARM, said: “We have always said that security must be the foundation of any IoT system and the acquisition of Offspark is evidence of us making that happen. PolarSSL technology is already deployed by the leading IoT players. The fact that those same companies also utilise ARM Cortex processor and software technologies means we are now able to provide a complete bedrock solution for the industry to innovate from.”

Paul Bakker, CEO, Offspark, added: “Security is the most fundamental aspect in ensuring people trust IoT technology and that is only possible with a truly tailored solution. Together, ARM and Offspark can provide security to the edge of any system and we look forward to working with our partners to help them deliver some exciting new projects.”

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