WISeKey’s Root Certificate Authority GSMA Root CI Accreditation Significantly Enhances Telecommunications Security in the 5G Era

Geneva, Switzerland, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
This milestone marks a transformative advancement in telecom networks, accommodating billions of new devices and addressing the evolving threat landscape with unparalleled security measures

WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey” or “Company”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations, operating as a holding company, today announced that it is significantly enhancing telecommunications security in the 5G era through its GSMA Root Certificate Issuer (“GSMA Root CI”) accreditation. This milestone marks a transformative advancement in telecom networks, accommodating billions of new devices and addressing the evolving threat landscape with unparalleled security measures.

In an era where telecommunications networks form the critical infrastructure for digital transformation, the importance of robust security measures able to provide essential services across numerous sectors cannot be overstated. These networks, fundamental to trusted and secure communication, significantly influence societal operations. With the advent of quantum computing on the horizon, the telecommunication industry faces the dual challenge of leveraging the benefits of quantum technology for its immense potential while at the same time safeguarding against its potential misuse. Threats from malicious entities could compromise network integrity, putting customer data and devices at risk.

In-depth analysis has been conducted to navigate both business risks and technological decisions, encompassing a wide range of scenarios such as physical and virtual SIM cards, device and firmware updates, authentication, transport security, cloud infrastructure, virtualized network functions, VPN services, IoT applications, lawful intercept, and privacy considerations.

Adopting post-quantum cybersecurity standards is a complex and multi-year journey, necessitating industry-wide collaboration. Initiatives like the GSMA Post Quantum Telco Network task force are pivotal in this transition, underscoring the need for collective efforts to embrace future-ready security protocols.

The emergence of 5G technology brings a transformative leap in telecom networks, introducing billions of new devices and significantly evolving the threat landscape. These networks are crucial for supporting critical applications across business, missions, and society. Consequently, they have become prime targets for threat actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.

To counteract these emerging threats, the importance of safeguarding 5G networks has never been more pronounced. The increase in sensitive personal, business, and public service information stored in and shared between these networks due to ongoing digitization has led to expanded security and privacy regulations and a declining risk tolerance amidst a worsening cybersecurity environment. Regulators, recognizing the critical nature of 5G, are emphasizing the importance of data protection. On the other hand, the complexity of 5G’s threat landscape is heightened by its integration with traditional IT systems, enabling IT threat actors to launch attacks on telecom networks similarly to their attacks on IT infrastructures. Moreover, the introduction of new functionalities like network slicing and the increased use of AI/ML for automation present both opportunities and challenges. While AI/ML promises enhanced security capabilities, it’s essential to ensure their security and transparency. Additionally, edge computing introduces new security challenges by decentralizing cloud resources.

In the context of WISeKey’s Root of Trust for 5G, adapting these insights provides a strategic focus on enhancing cybersecurity measures through trusted technologies. WISeKey’s approach, leveraging secure digital identity ecosystems and advanced cryptographic solutions, aligns with the need to protect 5G networks against the evolving threat landscape. By ensuring the integrity and security of devices and communications within 5G networks, WISeKey’s Root of Trust serves as a foundational component in the broader strategy to mitigate risks and safeguard critical telecommunications infrastructure in the era of 5G.

About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, and (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions.

Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

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This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FInSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.