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IBM Security Unveils IoT Labs, ATM Testing Service

IBM

IBM Security, which has a Top 100 MSSP services arm, has launched the X-Force Red Labs Internet of Things (IoT) device and system analysis network. The company announced X-Force Red Labs at this week's Black Hat USA 2018 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

X-Force Red Labs will evaluate consumer and industrial IoT technologies, automotive equipment and automated teller machines (ATMs), according to a prepared statement. It includes security test labs in the following locations:

  • Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Austin, Texas.
  • Hursley, England.
  • Melbourne, Australia.

X-Force Red hackers will use X-Force Red Labs to identify hardware and software vulnerabilities, IBM Security stated. They also will assist engineers and developers with building in security throughout the development lifecycle of ATMs and other IoT-enabled devices.

Introducing X-Force Red ATM Testing

In addition to the X-Force Red Labs launch, IBM Security announced the X-Force Red ATM Testing service at Black Hat USA. This service is designed to help financial organizations identify and remediate physical, hardware and software vulnerabilities within ATMs.

ATM Testing's key features include:

  • Attacker-Based Testing: Hacks into ATMs using the same tools and methods a cybercriminal would use to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Compliance Support: Reviews ATM logs to help organizations comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and other industry standards.
  • Vulnerability Assessment: Evaluates physical, network, application and computer system security and searches for vulnerabilities.
  • Vulnerability Remediation Recommendations: Offers recommendation reports to help organizations improve their ATM security strategies.

ATM Testing is now available.

Demand for IoT, ATM Security Testing on the Rise

X-Force Red Labs and X-Force Red ATM Testing could help IBM Security keep pace with the rising demand for IoT and ATM security testing solutions.

Global IoT security spending is projected to increase 28 percent between 2017 and 2018 and total $1.5 billion this year, according to technology research firm Gartner. New compliance regulations, the development and implementation of industry-wide technical standards for specific IoT security components and the launch of new IT security standards groups, consortium organizations and vendor alliances could spur this market's growth.

Meanwhile, X-Force Red has experienced a 300 percent increase in requests for ATM testing due to "jackpotting" and other cyber threats, IBM Security indicated. As financial organizations search for ways to combat these cyber threats, they may deploy ATM testing services to quickly identify and resolve vulnerabilities.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.