Adrian Johnson
TLDR: The US Air Force has enlisted the help of NetRise, a firmware security company, to conduct a security study of connected devices. NetRise has received a Phase 1 grant to identify and manage risks in firmware and software to address the challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force. The company focuses on enabling visibility into the security of the “Extended Internet of Things” and aims to provide solutions to discover and assess vulnerabilities at the granular level. NetRise will collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory and other stakeholders to develop best-in-class solutions.
NetRise, a firmware security company, has been selected by the US Air Force for a security study of connected devices. The company has received a Phase 1 grant to identify and manage risks in firmware and software to address the challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force. NetRise aims to enable visibility into the security of the “Extended Internet of Things” (XIoT) by focusing on modern firmware and software component security challenges. The company will collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory and other key stakeholders to provide solutions to discover and assess vulnerabilities at the most granular levels.
Thomas Pace, CEO of NetRise, expressed their commitment to providing proven solutions to address the critical need of the government. He stated that the company understands the importance of discovering and assessing firmware and software components within each device to identify vulnerabilities. NetRise aims to enable the Air Force and other stakeholders to understand the makeup and risk of devices that are essential to securing their operations and the country’s defense.
The Phase 1 grant received by NetRise is part of the small business technology transfer (STTR) program. The program supports collaboration between small businesses and research institutions to accelerate the commercialization of technologies developed by Federal research and development funding. The STTR program helps small businesses like NetRise to work with federal R&D partners to develop solutions that address specific government needs.
NetRise’s focus on firmware and software security aligns with the increasing emphasis on cybersecurity in both government and private sectors. Connected devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) present new challenges in securing networks and systems. Identifying and managing risks in firmware and software components is crucial to address vulnerabilities and protect critical infrastructure and operations.
By partnering with the Air Force Research Laboratory, NetRise aims to develop best-in-class solutions that provide visibility into the security of connected devices. This collaboration will help the Air Force and other stakeholders to understand the risk and makeup of devices, enabling them to enhance their security measures and protect their operations and defense.
Overall, NetRise’s engagement with the US Air Force highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the military and the need to address the security challenges posed by connected devices. The company’s focus on firmware and software security and their collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory demonstrates their commitment to providing effective solutions to enhance security and protect critical operations.
