In an era where connected devices play increasingly critical roles in industries ranging from healthcare to industrial automation, their security is no longer optional—it is essential. With IoT devices becoming more prevalent in mission-critical applications, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats is a top priority for developers and manufacturers alike.

To address this challenge, Variscite has partnered with Check Point Software Technologies, a leader in cyber security, to deliver a complementary solution for safeguarding IoT and embedded systems. This collaboration combines Check Point’s Quantum IoT Protect Nano Agent with Variscite’s extensive SoM portfolio, offering developers an advanced and resource-efficient way to enhance device security without compromising performance.

 

Comprehensive Threat Protection for Embedded Systems

This two-tier solution provides robust protection against a wide range of cyber threats, which consistently come up against IoT devices and embedded systems such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, malware and botnets, known and zero-day vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access attempts.

Check Point’s solution has been integrated successfully with Variscite products and can be easily used on the DART and VAR-SOM Pin2Pin product families. These families provide scalability, extended longevity, and reduced development time, cost, and risk.

The VAR-SOM Pin2Pin family includes modules like the high-performance VAR-SOM-MX8, powered by the NXP i.MX8 processor, and the cost-efficient VAR-SOM-6UL, based on the i.MX6 UltraLite processor. These modules are ideal for applications ranging from industrial automation to medical devices.

The DART Pin2Pin family, known for its compact form factor, features products like the DART-MX8M-MINI, which combines low power consumption with robust multimedia capabilities, making it perfect for portable and battery-operated devices.

“This partnership gives Variscite customers trusted, proven security solutions from one of the world’s leading cyber security companies, ease of integration, and ease of management,” said Ofer Austerlitz, Vice President, Business Development and Sales for Variscite. “This collaboration benefits organizations worldwide who wish to ensure their products meet existing and future security regulations, such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) in the EU, meant for cyber security requirements for products with digital elements sold in the EU.”

“IoT and edge devices are inherently vulnerable, often left unpatched or outdated by end users, making them prime targets for cybercriminals,” said Miri Ofir, R&D Director at Check Point Software Technologies. “By integrating the Check Point Nano Agent into their Variscite-based designs, developers can seamlessly secure the device, application, and data from the design stage, while ensuring compliance with cyber security regulations. The Nano Agent efficiently reduces the need for frequent patching by employing advanced protection and mitigation techniques to proactively block attacks.”

 

Simplifying Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) came into effect on December 10th 2024. With its main obligations being applied in 2027, manufacturers must ensure their connected devices meet stringent security standards. By integrating Check Point’s Nano Agent into Variscite’s SoMs, developers can address compliance requirements early in the design phase. This proactive approach reduces the need for costly retrofitting or frequent security patches later in the product lifecycle.

 

Why This Matters for Developers

What makes this solution particularly appealing is its efficiency and ease of implementation. The Check Point Nano Agent requires minimal storage, memory, and CPU resources, making it an ideal fit for embedded systems powered by Variscite’s SoMs. Additionally:

  • The integration process is seamless and does not require modifications to existing drivers or software frameworks provided by Variscite.
  • Developers benefit from a streamlined path to compliance with emerging regulations like the CRA.
  • The solution minimizes resource overhead while delivering robust security features tailored for embedded systems.

For engineers working with Variscite’s SoMs, this partnership offers several key advantages:

  • Trusted cyber security solutions from a global leader
  • Simple integration with Variscite’s software platform
  • Built-in compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Reduced need for ongoing security updates or patches

Variscite also provides comprehensive support throughout the development process, including access to detailed documentation, reference designs, and direct communication with its expert engineering team—all free of charge. This ensures developers can focus on creating high-quality end products without unnecessary delays or risks.

 

A Comprehensive Solution for Variscite Customers

By partnering with Check Point, Variscite bolsters its commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that address both functionality and security needs. With one of the most extensive ARM-based SoM portfolios in the market—spanning entry-level to high-performance configurations—Variscite empowers developers to create secure embedded systems tailored to their unique requirements.

This collaboration highlights Variscite’s role as a trusted partner in embedded computing, combining advanced technology with unmatched support to help customers bring their products to market faster and more efficiently.

For more information about implementing these advanced security features in your Variscite-based designs, contact our technical sales team.