Atos and AFNOR Certification announce the creation of a label dedicated to the security of IoT solutions

10 septembre 2021

Atos, a French specialist in digital transformation, announces the signing of a partnership with AFNOR Certification for the promotion and development of the IQS – IoT Qualified as Secured – label. It will allow Internet of Things (IoT) players to verify the security of a solution implementing connected objects. This new label will be available to all sectors, including healthcare, the silver economyand industry 4.0.

A partnership between Atos and AFNOR Certification for the creation of a label

Atos and AFNOR signed a strategic partnership to promote the IQS label dedicated to IoT security during the International Security Forum (FIC) held in Lille on 7, 8 and 9 September. Created by Atos Digital Security, this label is intended to be a reliable indicator for users (professionals and individuals), designers and manufacturers.

Atos, a specialist in cybersecurity services in Europe, and AFNOR Certification, a leading player in certification in France and internationally, are combining their expertise to actively participate in the digital transformation of society through evaluation, management audits and the implementation of secure solutions.

Jean-Claude Tapia, Director of Cybersecurity Services, Atos France explains some of the challenges of the partnership:

“The security of connected objects has become a priority issue. We are responding to a real expectation and are proud of this partnership that brings together two leading players.”

Julien Nizri, Director of AFNOR Certification, adds:

“The technological benefits of the Internet of Things are no longer in question. However, the risks associated with their deployment are still underestimated and can be the source of vulnerabilities. With the IQS label, we want to offer a solution that meets the challenges.”

The IQS label awarded to IoT solutions that meet security requirements

The IQS label is aimed at all sectors, including healthcare, the silver economy and industry 4.0. It is based on a reference framework that integrates both national and international security standards, so-called “security hygiene” best practices, and requirements resulting from customer feedback.

There are two levels of certification:

IQS Standard covers 25 security requirements allowing any IoT solution to reach a first level of resistance to attacks.
IQS Advanced is aimed at IoT solutions requiring more protection, by raising the level of security achieved through additional requirements.

In order for a solution to be labelled, it must pass several stages: after the company has applied for the label, an admissibility study is conducted, followed by several safety assessments. Following this, a decision is made whether or not to award the label. If the opinion of the labeling committee is positive, the label is issued, otherwise, there is a lifting of the challenges to try to show the missing aspects that make the solution has not been labeled.

The labelling committee is composed of the following members: