IBM Security announced on Monday that it would offer new security testing services for the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected cars. The services will be offered in conjunction with IBM’s security research arm, IBM X-Force Red, according to a press release.

The new IoT services from IBM will be offered alongside the Watson IoT Platform. According to the release, nearly 60% of organizations are only testing IoT applications in production. As such, IBM hopes that the new service could help detect potential vulnerabilities before they grow.

“Programmatic and on-demand security testing through the entire lifecycle of the products is emerging as the best way to find vulnerabilities in a proactive fashion,” the release said. “Watson IoT Platform customers will now be able to leverage the security expertise of IBM X-Force Red to assist throughout development and deployment.”

SEE: Internet of Things policy template (Tech Pro Research)

With the proliferation of new vehicles that either offer a data connection themselves or tether to a smartphone, cyberattacks on cars are an increasing threat. IBM’s new service for the automotive industry aims to help drivers secure the hardware, apps, and network, but also protect against human interactions that could create vulnerabilities.

To build out the service, IBM worked with multiple automotive manufacturers and suppliers to develop their consulting approach and testing services. According to the release, IBM’s service looks to perform security testing for the entire vehicle, accounting for all of the disparate systems that make up a modern vehicle.

Earlier this year, IBM X-Force unveiled the Red Portal, a new collaboration platform for viewing security testing solutions. The firm also debuted a new password-cracking cluster known as Cracken.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen security testing further emerge as a key component in clients’ security programs,” Charles Henderson, global head of IBM X-Force Red, said in a release “Finding issues in your products and services upfront is a far better investment than the expense of letting cybercriminals find and exploit vulnerabilities.”

The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers

  1. IBM recently announced two new security testing services to protect against vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and connected cars.
  2. The services are delivered through IBM X-Force Red, the security research arm at IBM.
  3. IBM also recently unveiled a new security testing portal called the Red Portal, and a new password-cracking cluster known as Cracken.