cc2GO Wireless Technologies: Numbering and Securing IoT Data Access

A Gartner report states that 8.4 billion connected things will be in use globally in 2017 and will reach 20.4 billion by 2020. These figures seem adequate to define how significantly Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining center stage across the globe. As more devices are getting connected, the security threats caused by malicious attackers looking to enter the systems through connected networks are also increasing. Australia-based cc2GO Wireless Technologies identifies these critical IoT security requirements and offers solutions for numbering and securing IoT and associated Wireless connections. Exploring opportunities in IoT sector, Christian Kazamias founded cc2GO Wireless Technologies in late 1999. The company is most known for building the world’s first GPS-enabled Smartphone Operating system and GSM Smartphone OS, turning a Handspring Palm Organiser into a GPS-enabled Smartphone with German startup partner in 2000. Over the years cc2GO has focused on game-changing opportunities in mobile/wireless, engaged in R&D, and forayed into Wearable technologies including wireless input, smartwatches/bracelets and other smart device segments. cc2GO is an organization that has always been and is on the forefront of mobile technological advancements. Presently, it is focusing on disrupting Machine to Machine (M2M) and IoT markets by adding a unique numbering system to IoT devices and other Mobile and IP Data Solutions. This leverages the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) approved Universal Personal Telecommunications (UPT) Global numbering service and cc2GO is helping create the framework, helping to track and secure IoT devices with additional security layers.

The UPT numbering service as a standard was designed from the ground up for Digital IP technologies and provides a unique 15 digit identifier that can be associated with any IP device and linked to multiple devices on a network. It can also segment access, limiting information to authorized users that branches down access to various fields including:- IP Address, phone or SIP number, messaging e-mail or social media link, name, address, and other digital identifiers that can include driver’s license, banking, financial records, medical data, and even supporting Blockchain linking bitcoins. This branching via the 15 digit UPT number starts by the allocation of a UPT +878 country code (but it is not a country – it is an ITU standard for Global Digital IDs) that ITU has endorsed as the numbering system for IoT. This weaves an added secure layer, which making it more difficult for cybercriminals to identify where an IoT device is in the world (as +878 has no home country), what information is linked behind the numbering, secure re-directions with login requirements making it more complex and harder for unauthorized users to know what is behind a +87810 IoT device number that they are looking into.

Taking a step forward in securing IoT devices, cc2GO has partnered with 878TEN—a provider of UPT numbers—and Truroam Asia Pacific—a sister concern of cc2GO— that jointly launched at Cebit Australia 2017 a Global sim card with +87810 number that can be associated with IoT and M2M devices. Mr Kazamias elaborates, “Addressing and numbering IoT devices adds a higher level of security. It creates a barrier from exposing direct access to your Mobile IP address—an issue with many Mobile SIM Data SIMs today. When someone knows or has access to your IP address, it's easier to hack. Adding +87810 numbers which can be anywhere in the world adds to the access complexity and this will make it more difficult for un-authorised hackers—a global concern with IoT.”

Pioneering smart devices, cc2GO’s arsenal is focused on bringing innovative solutions in IoT. The four key areas of focus including: Mobile/Wearable devices, Industrial IoT automation (IIoT), Connected Cars, and Computerised Telephony/Messaging Integration. The company is working on a number of projects including working with a Swiss manufacturer to bring out IoT-enabled wearables that will sync with home automation devices such as television, air conditioning, and lighting systems. The company is also working on IoT Smart TV integration and Smart bracelets that aid in monitoring and entertaining kids and the elderly.

On the industrial automation and computer telephony/ messaging integration front, cc2GO offers door stations that allow people to get in based on proximity, NFC (Near Field Communications) tapping or by entering a number on their mobile phone or wearable. The company has also invested its resources in telemetry empowering digital signage and vending machines to interact with consumers extending the successful concept and power of online marketing/follow-up selling to help boost bricks and mortar retailers capture impulsive buyers and help improve retail sales perform beyond their current levels. The firm has enabled digital signage in retail stores to leverage Wi-Fi to access loyalty applications and promote products based on customers’ preferences.

To boost connected car experiences, cc2GO is tapping information from the engine and other parameters such as speed and velocity, direction and data accuracy records to offer Driver Behavior and Accident Prevention/ Management to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) /Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) partners, car industry partners, and end users.

Another key area of focus for cc2GO is mobile and roaming telephony where the company’s offerings are focused on Roaming and Connected Cars in line with new European regulation for vehicles crossing European borders named “eCall”. This technology can link the +87810 numbering and forward automatically information when driver is in an emergency and/or in case of a serious accident or breakdown in that country. cc2GO allows IoT devices in the car and phone to communicate, send and share securely the crucial information required during emergency situations over voice, data and/or messaging and/or via UPT.

Mr. Kazamias believes that UPT will revolutionize the way technologies are being migrated and merged. He envisions regulations and uniformity in IoT will add more data management, analytics, and capabilities to the devices. Concentrating on key areas, cc2GO continues to collaborate with a host of diversified industry players building firmware and software, to partner hardware offerings. The company, going forward, intends to work in tandem with manufacturing companies in Asia and roll out solutions for Europe and American markets.