The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) held a meeting on the 17th in the main conference room of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council with Samsung Electronics and others, who were the first to obtain standard-type Internet of Things (IoT) security certification, and awarded the IoT security certificate to the robot vacuum cleaner (Bespoke AI Steam) that received the certification.
During the meeting, opinions were exchanged on ways to activate security certification for Internet of Things (IoT) products that are increasingly being used, as well as the current status of corporations' initiatives.
Recently, Internet of Things (IoT) products such as robot vacuum cleaners, home cameras, and smart appliances are rapidly spreading in everyday life. However, concerns about privacy infringements due to unprotected IoT products have also increased alongside the ongoing hacking incidents involving Internet of Things (IoT) products, highlighting the need for enhanced security.
Accordingly, the government has been preparing security standards in areas closely related to the lives of the public, such as appliances and dwellings, to ensure that consumers can use safe Internet of Things (IoT) products, and has been operating the 'IoT Security Certification' system since it was legislated in 2021. Additionally, in October, it signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on the certification system with Singapore, expanding the international foundation for the safe use of Internet of Things (IoT).
The Ministry of Science and ICT confirmed the issuance of a certificate as Samsung Electronics' robot vacuum cleaner passed all test evaluation items (43) at the highest level of IoT security certification, the standard type. This marks the first certification case of the standard type and the first award of 'IoT security certification' for robot vacuum cleaners, which have been increasingly used and raised security issues.
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to introduce and expand the 'IoT Security Certification' label (certification mark + QR code) to help consumers more easily identify and select safe Internet of Things (IoT) products.
Second Vice Minister Kang Do-hyun noted, 'While the convenience of Internet of Things products has deeply embedded itself in the lives of the public, awareness of security remains low.' He added, 'We will use the issuance of the highest level of security certification for robot vacuum cleaners, which the public encounters daily, to inform consumers about the importance of Internet of Things security and expand IoT security certified products, creating an environment where the public can safely use Internet of Things products.'