Deutsche Telekom adds Tiempo Secure to nuSIM Partnering Network

Deutsche Telekom adds Tiempo Secure to nuSIM Partnering Network

Deutsche Telekom has listed Tiempo Secure’s TESIC Secure Element as a dedicated hardware enclave in the latest nuSIM Security Specification.

nuSIM is an integrated SIM solution for IoT developed by Deutsche Telekom together with industry partners for chipsets, modules and digital security. The nuSIM security certification refers to Common Criteria security standards, and significantly reduces time-to-market and lowers entry barriers for NB-IoT.

For low-cost NB-IoT devices, Tiempo Secure supports Deutsche Telekom’s nuSIM specification. It rigorously optimizes the SIM function while keeping a high security level through a dedicated security certification, compatible with the cost-sensitive mobile IoT market.

Stefan Kaliner, Head of UICC Development at Deutsche Telekom, comments:

“nuSIM will simplify IoT devices as it eliminates the need for a separate SIM component. The solution provides a very low hardware and software footprint for cost-efficient implementations with minimal power consumption, but without compromising on security.”

In a nuSIM implementation, the Secure Environment can be realized on a dedicated hardware enclave – like Tiempo’s CC EAL5+ certified TESIC Secure Element – that is integrated with the other components of the SoC on the same die. It contains a dedicated (security) processor, crypto-processors, security sensors and memories for exclusive use within the secure enclave.

“Especially for low-cost devices this brings simplicity as well as cost and time savings along the IoT value chain,” adds Serge Maginot, CEO of Tiempo Secure. “All our customers targeting security-critical device markets continue to go for CC EAL5+ and/or EMVCo certifications. Many see the nuSIM approach as a perfectly logical step and a chance for a first and faster entry to the NB-IoT market.”

As a Secure Element IP partner for leading SoC players, Tiempo Secure helps its customers to reduce time-to-market and lower entry barriers by integrating its CC EAL5+ and EMVCo certification-ready TESIC Secure Element as IP macro directly into their IC-designs. With that, Tiempo helps to enter both market segments:

  • Low-cost NB-IoT devices, used in mobile IoT applications with a long life-span such as asset trackers, smart motion or temperature sensors and wearables
  • High-end IoT devices, requiring CC EAL5+ and/or EMVCo certifications. Such use-cases include automotive, industry 4.0, payment, etc.

For both markets – low-cost devices and high-end-devices – Tiempo co-operates with major SIM software stack providers.

SoC companies want to integrate a Secure Element into their SoC design in order to meet various market needs and will benefit from the following two-step approach:

  • First certification: users receive the nuSIM certification. The nuSIM certificate really helps to bring the SoC/device much faster into the market.
  • Second certification (based on the same design): SoC companies can apply for CC5+ and/or EMV certification, with exactly the same design.

The reason why it is two steps is, that the certification process for nuSIM is much faster (estimated at 3-4 months), whereas the certification process for CC5+ might take up to one year.

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