Axis ­­Raises the Bar on Cybersecurity to Provide Wide-Ranging FIPS 140-Compliant Products to Government Customers

Axis Communications announces plans to expand the number of network physical security products certified to FIPS 140 under the Federal Information Processing Standards. This move will improve the cybersecurity postures of Axis customers that must meet the FIPS 140 certification, specifically in the government and critical infrastructure sectors.

FIPS are widely recognized as state-of-the-art security standards issued by the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) for the U.S. and Canada, and consequently also serves as a purchasing guideline across the private sector.

During 2024, Axis will introduce new FIPS-compliant cryptographic hardware and software modules for its devices. The FIPS 140 standard specifies the security requirements of hardware and software modules needed to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data. By complying with the standard, Axis provides assurance to customers about the security level in Axis devices.

Axis will launch the first devices outfitted with NXP® Semiconductors’ EdgeLock® SE052F secure element, a new FIPS 140-3 Level 3-certified hardware cryptographic computing module, in Q3 2024. By adhering to the latest standard in hardware device security, Axis devices will have even more sophisticated, built-in protection for sensitive data like cryptographic keys that are used to secure network traffic.

The upcoming release of the Axis operating system, AXIS OS 12 will also include a cryptographic software module that provides FIPS 140-2 Level 1 certification for more than 150 Axis network devices. This certification ensures only approved, high-security cryptographic algorithms are used to secure HTTPS, IEEE 802.1X and other TLS-based connections. This meets the base cryptographic requirements for FIPS 140-regulated customers.

“Customers need to be confident that Axis devices ensure long-term cybersecurity and meet the latest requirements such as FIPS 140-compliance,” said Johan Paulsson, Chief Technology Officer, Axis Communications. “By collaborating with experts in hardware security, such as NXP, we can together provide our customers with cutting-edge cybersecurity features, as well as adapt to well-known and relevant cryptography standards and technologies. Axis’ approach to cybersecurity is to provide device protection throughout the device lifecycle, from start to beyond the point of purchase. Through AXIS OS software updates, customers can benefit from newly introduced features and improved protection throughout the device’s lifetime.”

Axis, as NXP’s EdgeLock SE052F lead customer, is the first manufacturer within the physical security industry engaging with the recently launched secure element, to be showcased at Embedded World. Axis has been collaborating with NXP since 2019 to support secure operations of innovative Axis solutions. As a world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, NXP is known for its trusted security solutions, including securing today’s smartphones and passports, and Axis is leveraging the same solution for its network devices.

“Collaboration is one of the cornerstones of an effective cybersecurity strategy and is the key to delivering robust cybersecurity solutions,” said Alasdair Ross, Senior Director, NFC IoT Security at NXP Semiconductors. “Collaboration with companies such as Axis have enabled us to leverage best-in-class technology to develop innovations which tackle today’s security challenges head on. The launch of the new SE052F secure element this year represents the next level of protection at the edge, helping our customers to keep their valuable data safe.”

Axis’ long-term commitment to industry standards and support for FIPS 140-certified solutions, are key to its Axis Edge Vault cybersecurity platform, which supports a multi-layered approach to security for edge devices.

FIPS 140 compliance will consequently no longer be limited to Axis’ most advanced product lines. Customers will have broader access to Axis’ wide product offering, covering use cases within video surveillance, analytics, access control, ​intercom, and audio systems. Providing FIPS 140 compliance gives both FIPS and non-FIPS-regulated organizations the confidence that their system and devices are both interoperable and meets long-term security requirements.

Featured

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

  • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

    CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

  • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

    Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.