F-Secure named Authorized Security Lab for Amazon's Alexa Voice Services

HELSINKI, Oct. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- F-Secure Consulting - cyber security provider F-Secure's research-led, multidisciplinary consultancy - has earned the distinction of becoming one of Amazon's few Authorized Security Labs (ASL) trusted to assess Alexa Built-in devices against Alexa Voice Services' (AVS) security requirements.

Alexa Built-in devices are a range of products - such as headphones, speakers, streaming devices, and more - from different vendors that are built to work with Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant. To ensure these devices provide the level of security users expect from Alexa-integrated products, Amazon has authorized select companies across the globe to assess the security of these devices against AVS requirements.

Thanks to F-Secure Consulting's unique expertise in securing integrated products, Amazon has designated it as an official ASL for AVS. As an ASL, F-Secure Consulting will assess the security of Alexa Built-in devices against security requirements drafted by AVS.

"Our team's unique makeup of breakers and builders gives us a comprehensive understanding of how to build security into integrated products," said F-Secure Consulting's Head of Hardware Security Andrea Barisani. "We have a record of helping clients take their products from the drawing table to production by helping them secure the hardware, software, firmware, and interaction between these components. We're thrilled with the opportunity to share our expertise with device vendors and help them secure the Alexa devices they're bringing to the market."

Securing the range of Alexa Built-in devices from different companies poses challenges for both Amazon and the device vendors.

Vendors need to ensure their devices comply with Alexa Voice Services' security requirements while facing other logistical pressures of launching new products. Amazon's challenge is to exercise quality control over the security of an increasing number of Alexa Built-in devices, which requires an in-depth understanding of securing integrated products that's rare within the cyber security industry.

With experience in helping companies securing products ranging from consumer-oriented devices to industrial components used in critical infrastructure, F-Secure Consulting is an ideal partner to address both sets of challenges.

Furthermore, F-Secure's security consultants bring existing expertise with Amazon devices to vendors. F-Secure was among the first cyber security researchers to demonstrate a successful hack on an Amazon Echo.* F-Secure Consulting is also authorized to test devices against Amazon Prime Video's security requirements, making it a perfect partner for vendors creating devices that need to comply with both sets of standards.  

"F-Secure Consulting helps companies all over the world secure everything from low-level hardware and firmware designs, to applications built on top of existing systems, and everything in-between," said F-Secure Consulting's UK Director of Research James Loureiro. "Experience with both hardware and software security is vital when working with integrated products such as Alexa Built-in devices. Giving device vendors access to our consultants' extensive range of experience and skills ensures they'll receive practical security solutions that fit their business needs."

More information on F-Secure Consulting is available at https://www.f-secure.com/consulting.

*Source: https://labs.f-secure.com/archive/alexa-are-you-listening/

About F-Secure
Nobody has better visibility into real-life cyber attacks than F-Secure. We're closing the gap between detection and response, utilizing the unmatched threat intelligence of hundreds of our industry's best technical consultants, millions of devices running our award-winning software, and ceaseless innovations in artificial intelligence. Top banks, airlines, and enterprises trust our commitment to beating the world's most potent threats. Together with our network of the top channel partners and over 200 service providers, we're on a mission to make sure everyone has the enterprise-grade cyber security we all need.

Founded in 1988, F-Secure is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.

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F-Secure media relations
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SOURCE F-Secure