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DHS S&T awards $200,000 to Whitescope for IoT systems security

Monday, May 23, 2016 — 14:59:32 (EDT)

Washington, May 23, 2016 -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded $200,000 to Whitescope LLC based in Half Moon Bay, CA to build a secure wireless communications gateway made specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and compliant with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. This award, under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS) launched earlier this year, is aimed at non-traditional performers to offer solutions to some of the toughest threats facing DHS and the homeland security mission. Whitescope’s project titled “GatewayX: A Secure Wireless Gateway for IoT Devices” was awarded through Securing the Internet of Things (IoT), Solicitation Number: HSHQDC-16-R-00035, the first call for proposals from the program.

“The unprecedented number of connected devices is changing the way we live, but unfortunately we cannot assume all IoT devices are inherently secure,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. “DHS is proud to lead this fundamental effort in IoT security.”

The Internet of Things represents a convergence of mobile devices, information technology networks, connected sensors and devices. The DHS OTS call for security solutions seeks novel ideas and technologies to improve situational awareness and security for protecting these domains, including the 16 critical infrastructure sectors monitored by DHS.

“It’s important for DHS to collaborate with the innovation community to help us find fresh solutions,” said Melissa Ho, Managing Director, and S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program. “And so far the start-up community has responded positively. They are hungry to help solve our hard problems.”

The Whitescope team’s secure 802.11 wireless communications gateway, known as GatewayX, will also provide a centralized capability for identifying, characterizing, and securing access to IoT devices. By residing within the wireless gateway itself, GatewayX will be able to provide both passive and active detection for all connected IoT devices.

For more information on future OTS solicitations visit scitech.dhs.gov/hsip or contact dhs-silicon-valley@hq.dhs.gov .

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Source: Company press release.