AMU Cyber & AI

Samsung Unveils Latest IoT Devices at CES 2018

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By James Lint
Faculty Member, School of Business, American Military University
Senior Editor for
 InCyberDefense and Contributor, In Homeland Security

Before the CES 2018 trade show formally opened on Tuesday, South Korean technology giant Samsung emphasized its commitment to investing in breakthrough technologies.

Samsung has 65,000 engineers and designers on staff and spent more than $14 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2017. According to a company press release, Samsung has committed $1.2 billion to U.S.-based Internet of Things (IoT) R&D over the next four years.

Company executives, including Hyunsuk Kim, addressed the media. Kim, the president and head of Samsung’s Consumer Electronics Division and Samsung Research, said the goal is to have all company devices connected to and be part of IoT by 2020.

In the spring of 2018, Samsung will unite its IoT applications, including Samsung Connect, Smart Home and Smart View into its SmartThings app. This app allows users to connect and control SmartThings-enabled devices directly from their phone, TV or car from a single app.

Additionally, Samsung announced plans to connect its HARMAN Ignite cloud platform to the SmartThings Cloud. As a result, consumers will be able to manage their IoT homes from their car and vice versa. For instance, a consumer’s phone would be able to communicate with a washing machine and a TV.

In 2018, all Samsung Smart TVs will feature the SmartThings dashboard. Home TVs would become an IoT hub to display the contents of a refrigerator, control lighting and adjust the thermostat.

DRVLINE Changes the Future of Cars

“The cars of tomorrow won’t just change how we get around, they’ll transform our streets and society. They’ll bring mobility to people who need it, make our roads safer and revolutionize our communities,” said Young Sohn, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Samsung Electronics and Chairman of the Board at HARMAN.

Sohn said building an autonomous platform requires close collaboration across industry because one company cannot deliver on this enormous opportunity by itself.

“The challenge is simply too big and too complex. Through the DRVLINE platform, we’re inviting the best and brightest from the automotive industry to join us, and help shape the future of the car of tomorrow today,” Sohn said.

Would IoT Homes Be Vulnerable to Hackers?

A fully connected IoT house, however, raises security concerns. If a hacker gained access to one device, he or she would gain access to the IoT in a home and potentially jeopardize phones, computers and files. As more companies try to join IoT systems, there will have to be security reviews and preventive measures to safeguard both IoT devices and the data those devices produce.

Samsung is aware of this problem. The company announced that its Knox security platform will be used to protect IoT and consumer devices. Samsung was the first company to get approval from the National Security Agency (NSA) for its security solution.

Now, a version of Knox will provide security for consumers. This is an example of how national defense R&D also enhances the lives of consumers too.

New South Carolina Production Facility Opens

In addition, Samsung completed construction of its new $380 million home appliance manufacturing facility in South Carolina’s Newberry County. The plant will generate 954 jobs. Samsung has also teamed with the University of South Carolina to create an innovation hub on campus that will benefit students.

About the Author

James R. Lint recently retired as the (GG-15) civilian director for intelligence and security, G2, U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. He is an adjunct professor at AMU. James has been involved in cyberespionage events from just after the turn of the century in Korea supporting 1st Signal Brigade to the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis as the first government cyber intelligence analyst. He has 38 years of experience in military intelligence with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, government contracting and civil service.

Additionally, James started the Lint Center for National Security Studies, a nonprofit charity that recently awarded its 49th scholarship for national security students and professionals. James was also elected as the 2015 national vice president for the Military Intelligence Corps Association. He has also served in the Department of Energy’s S&S Security Office after his active military career in the Marine Corps for seven years and 14 years in the Army. His military assignments include South Korea, Germany and Cuba, in addition to numerous CONUS locations. In 2017, he was appointed to the position of Adjutant for The American Legion, China Post 1. James has authored a book published in 2013, “Leadership and Management Lessons Learned,” a book published in 2016 “8 Eyes on Korea, A Travel Perspective of Seoul, Korea,” and a new book in 2017 Secrets to Getting a Federal Government Job.”

Wes O'Donnell

Wes O’Donnell is an Army and Air Force veteran and writer covering military and tech topics. As a sought-after professional speaker, Wes has presented at U.S. Air Force Academy, Fortune 500 companies, and TEDx, covering trending topics from data visualization to leadership and veterans’ advocacy. As a filmmaker, he directed the award-winning short film, “Memorial Day.”

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