Companies like Google and Amazon are backing a new security certification for mobile apps and mobile VPNs being launched by the Internet of Secure Things Alliance (ioXt Alliance). The global standard for IoT security is expanding its reach compliance program, with the aim of promoting transparency to consumers and corporate buyers, as well as making the IoT industry more secure, since most of these devices are managed through applications.

Understand Google and Amazon's support for the new mobile VPN standard

Both global technology companies have helped define the criteria that stipulate best practices in developing secure tools and environments. Security labs such as NowSecure, NCC Group, DEKRA, Onward Security and 7layers participated in the development of this expansion of the program, in alignment with the initiatives established by VPN Trust Initiative.

The ioXt Alliance program is based on eight core commitment principles that define product security, upgradability, and transparency to the consumer. Certification for mobile applications includes checks for insecure interfaces, automatic updates, secure password management, Safety by default, in addition to an assessment of whether the software has been verified. Vulnerability reporting programs and end-of-life policies for the app are also considered. According to the organization, rigorous testing is performed at scale, identifying and mitigating potential security risks.

Google One already certified

NowSecure provides automatic scans of all applications submitted through the Certification Portal. Among the first consumer VPNs to be certified under the Mobile App Security and Mobile VPNs program are Google One (which has built-in VPN services), ExpressVPN, NordVPN, McAfee, and OpenVPN for Android.

The ioXt Alliance expects the new VPN standard to be adopted more and more by companies beyond Google. In addition, the expectation is that developers of apps that are already investing in the best security practices can stand out.

“As we continue to be more connected than ever, privacy concerns have remained at the forefront, making VPN and mobile app security increasingly important to consumers, developers and other relevant stakeholders,” said Brad Ree, CTO of the ioXt Alliance.

The ioXt Alliance has broad influence among members of the technology industry. Its board includes executive members from Amazon, Comcast, Facebook, Google, Legrand, Resideo, Schneider Electric, T-Mobile, Zigbee Alliance and Z-Wave Alliance.

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