Security Flies High with RIoT Secure's MKR-based Solution
Arduino Pro - November 18, 2021
In the high-stakes environment of airport security, ensuring that IoT devices are both secure and efficient is a critical challenge. Airports, where safety and security protocols are paramount, require robust systems that can be rapidly updated to prevent vulnerabilities. This is where RIoT Secure, a Stockholm-based technology company, steps in with their innovative solution.
RIoT Secure was founded to address the growing concerns of security in a world where billions of devices are constantly connected to the Internet. Their partnership with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) Ground Handling served as the perfect test case for embedding security at the core of IoT systems. The project involved ensuring that service vehicles at airports could securely communicate and be updated remotely while adhering to stringent security protocols.
The Need for a Secure IoT Solution in Airports
Airports must track service vehicles for a variety of reasons, including billing and compliance with evolving safety and security protocols. For example, geo-fencing technology is used to prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas, and RFID badges are required for staff to access and operate the equipment. Given the constant need for real-time updates and strict security, SAS Ground Handling sought a solution that would ensure secure network communications and enable over-the-air firmware updates across their fleet of vehicles.
Aaron Ardiri, CEO of RIoT Secure, emphasized the critical need for real-time security in their solution:
“SAS Ground Handling can now ensure their equipment is securely connected to the Cloud, and that they can enhance the safety and security protocols implemented at the edge in a matter of seconds.”
RIoT Secure's MKR-based Solution
RIoT Secure developed a secure device lifecycle management platform using Arduino MKR boards for communication and over-the-air updates, specifically designed for resource-constrained microcontrollers. The solution was tailored to meet the needs of IoT devices that operate in challenging environments like airports.
The system includes a robust industrialized PCB with at least two microcontrollers: one focused on safety and security logic, and the Arduino MKR board for secure network communication. The task-focused microcontrollers interact with various inputs such as GPS for geo-fencing, RFID badge swipes, and GPIOs for controlling external relays (e.g., a beacon light or vehicle speed limiters). These microcontrollers also send and receive data in binary optimized packets, independent of the communications technology used.
When a firmware update is required, the platform ensures that updates are securely downloaded and applied to the relevant microcontroller.
Key Features and Benefits
- Secure Communication: The platform guarantees secure communication between devices and the Cloud, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.
- Over-the-Air Firmware Updates: Firmware updates can be executed quickly across the entire fleet, bypassing manual intervention and minimizing human error.
- Real-Time Security Monitoring: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are used to detect anomalies, including security breaches, in real-time.
- Scalability: The system is designed to expand, with plans to integrate thousands of microcontrollers into the system in the near future.
With this solution, SAS Ground Handling is able to:
- Ensure that equipment is securely connected to the Cloud.
- Instantly update their entire fleet in a matter of seconds, saving time and money compared to manual updates.
- Improve safety and security protocols on the tarmac.
Bjorn de Jounge, Head of Business Development at RIoT Secure, highlighted the platform’s flexibility:
“With this design, the customer can choose the most appropriate microcontroller for the task at hand while also being completely isolated from hackers and minimizing security vulnerabilities.”
The result is a secure, scalable, and efficient IoT solution that ensures both security and functionality in high-stakes environments like airports.
