Gamgee and the Hebrew University Partner in Pioneering Machine Learning to Protect Smart Homes and IoT
The two parties aim to develop a technology that overcomes MAC address randomization for identification purposes while maintaining high standards of data privacy.
The ability to identify and authenticate devices on the home network is the cornerstone for the smooth and secure operation of smart home networks. As the complexity of the digital ecosystem at home grows, quality identification and authentication of devices is fundamental for assuring full protection, easy management of the network and outstanding digital user experience.
“The supposed goal of the randomization of the digital identity of connected smart devices is to improve data privacy. However, randomizing a few smart devices has practical implications for the other (IoT) devices and Wi-Fi network in the home. It restrains the quality of digital services, impedes inter-device operability and – paradoxically – impairs cybersecurity. Due to the randomization, other vendor appliances – such as light bulbs, speakers, or cameras – would remain unidentified and unverified, turning them into a potential gateway for illicit users to the otherwise protected smart home environment.”
Shaul Levi, the Chief Innovation Officer of Gamgee
While previously the industry relied on MAC addresses for identification and authentication purposes, this has been hampered by forced randomization of MAC addresses pursued by several tech companies.
“Gamgee, along with the researchers of Hebrew University, are developing AI-driven lightweight algorithms that are able to identify, authenticate and protect all connected devices on the home network – regardless of the type of device or the vendor.”
Shaul Levi, the Chief Innovation Officer of Gamgee
“Through this collaboration we envision a world where consumers enjoy complete, integrated, multi-vendor interoperable smart home networks that do not leave in doubt the privacy and protection of consumers’ data.”
Prof. David Hay, head of the Federmann Cyber Security Research Center
Prof. David Hay, head of the Federmann Cyber Security Research Center, and his team at Hebrew University’s Selim and Rachel Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, will be collaborating with Gamgee to help solve the problem of security for IoT devices.
“We’re very pleased to have been able to connect Gamgee with Prof. David Hay and to facilitate a collaboration that can be mutually beneficial. We were able to find a way for a midsize company to be able to enjoy the technological edge of academic research and reap the economic advantages of such a collaboration. We look forward to facilitating similar collaborations in the future.”
Dr. Itzik Goldwaser, CEO of Yissum
