Merchants can more effectively grow their smart security sales and support professional installers in allaying homeowners’ cybersecurity concerns by stocking and recommending products certified against the BSI IoT Kitemark, says home security specialist ERA.
According to recent government research, 57% of UK residents reported an increase in household use of connected devices during the pandemic and yet government regulation designed to improve the security of IoT products is not due to become law until later in 2021.
The BSI Kitemark certification for Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices provides independent verification of the cybersecurity of camera and alarm systems. ERA worked in close collaboration with BSI to develop the standard and set a performance benchmark for the growing smart security sector. The ERA Protect range was the first – and reportedly remains the only – smart security system to carry the accreditation, having achieved the Kitemark in 2019.
The ERA Protect ecosystem includes an Alarm hub which can be paired with up to 96 PIR sensors, sirens, keypads and other accessories, plus a Smart Video Doorbell, Indoor Wi-Fi Camera and two Outdoor Cameras.
Kerry Blackford, Head of Product at ERA, said: “Data security and user privacy have been enduring concerns for homeowners since app-controlled cameras and video doorbells first entered the UK market. Householders absolutely recognise the convenience and peace of mind that connected devices can bring, but they rightly seek reassurance that their data (as well as their property) will be protected.
“That’s why we worked in close collaboration with the team at BSI to help develop the Kitemark and drive the same high levels of performance in the connected arena that ERA is already well known for, after more than 180 years in the traditional mechanical security market.”
She continued: “By stocking and selling smart security systems certified against the IoT Kitemark, merchants can give security installers and their customers complete confidence that both property and data are protected to the highest standard.”
David Mudd, Global Digital and Connected Product Certification Director for BSI, added: “ERA was integral to the development of this important new Kitemark for BSI, which goes above and beyond the requirements of the forthcoming government legislation. The Kitemark sets the standard for best practice and takes the onus off installers and consumers to make sure systems are cybersecure.
“Instead, the Kitemark places the responsibility for data security firmly at the manufacturer’s door and thanks to bank-level data encryption and a UK owned data server, ERA has demonstrated that its smart devices are among the world’s most advanced and secure.”
