G+D: Shaping the future of secure and scalable IoT

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) offers built-in security tech in three segments – digital security, financial platforms and currency technology. In an interaction with tele.net, Sachin Arora, Head of Connectivity and IoT for India, G+D, shared his thoughts on the company’s enterprise solutions, its focus on cybersecurity and its growth outlook.

What have been the key highlights for G+D during the past year? What solutions does the company offer?

G+D is a diverse group with multiple divisions catering to various sectors. The Mobile Security division focuses on telecom, internet of things (IoT) connectivity, eSIM solutions and hardware SIM solutions. The FinTech (E-Payment) division provides banking-related solutions, including banking cards and technical solutions for banks and financial payment networks. The Currency Technology division offers Advanced Currency Management as well as Banknote Solutions. The Veridos division specialises in secure identity solutions, such as passports.
Our common denominator is that we create confidence by offering built-in security tech solutions.

In the Mobile Security division, our customers primarily include mobile network operators (MNOs), IoT enterprises, and companies in the automotive, transport and logistics sectors. We offer SIM cards in various forms, including physical SIM cards and eSIMs, and provide solutions for players involved in industries such as telematics devices, which are now largely part of the IoT domain. For example, some of our customers deal with telematics boxes, energy meters and other IoT use cases.

Additionally, we provide connectivity management solutions, over-the-air (OTA) technology, and other IoT solutions that cater to business needs.

How is G+D enabling secure and scalable IoT solutions for industries like telecom, smart cities, healthcare and logistics? What partnerships, R&D initiatives and cutting-edge solutions is G+D exploring towards this end?

Our solutions are not limited to physical SIMs but also include solutions like eSIM solutions, OTA, asset tracking and IoT connectivity management, to name a few. These solutions offer scalability with a security-first approach and ensure full interoperability across global telecom networks and IoT ecosystems.

In terms of partnerships, we do not specifically target enterprises alone but rather focus on a go-to-market approach. We work alongside various players and customers to collectively serve the needs of the end customer. For instance, if one of the players provides connectivity, we supply the SIM cards and offer our solutions as part of a unified offering. This way, we operate as one entity, ensuring that all end requirements are met seamlessly.

From a research and development (R&D) perspective, we have a dedicated development centre in India, focusing on SIM card technology and various technology solutions, ensuring continuous innovation. Our efforts ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

We ensure compliance with India’s data privacy regulations, where we as a global organisation work locally in India with customers and partners, and invest in innovating solutions at our development centre in the country.

From a partnership perspective, at a global level, we recently acquired a company called MECOMO, which delivers asset-tracking devices along with analytics. Additionally, in 2021, we made a strategic acquisition in the Pod Group, which has now been fully integrated into G+D. From a strategic perspective, these recent acquisitions and partnerships with the two companies have been quite successful.

What role is G+D playing in supporting telecom operators and enterprises in leveraging 5G for IoT and digital transformation? Are there any notable challenges that you have encountered?

One of our key roles is empowering MNOs with ready-made, tested solutions that are compliant with global standards and aligned with regulations.  When 5G was being launched, we had SIM solutions ready that were compatible with the new technology, allowing MNOs to provide 5G services without requiring a complete SIM replacement. This helped operators avoid the significant costs associated with replacing millions of SIM cards in the market.

In connectivity, ensuring end-to-end security is critical. Whether it is user data, privacy, or encryption and decryption, we provide solutions that protect these aspects. This is why we offer seamless 4G- and 5G-enabled solutions with strong security measures. Additionally, SIM card activation involves authentication, which helps MNOs securely onboard users.

Another area is private networks. eSIM technology plays a crucial role here, allowing enterprises to manage their own closed networks. While private networks are still emerging in India, they are gaining momentum in global markets, particularly in the US and Europe. We are actively offering these solutions to both MNOs and enterprises, ensuring that we cater to both segments effectively.

How does G+D approach IoT ecosystems (including eSIMs, secure onboarding, and device authentication) from the lens of cybersecurity?

As G+D is a security tech company, encryption, decryption, authentication and overall security logic form the core of our solutions. We ensure that these processes are robust, seamless and hassle-free for customers, functioning efficiently in the backend. With the rapid growth of IoT, an increasing number of connected devices are entering the market, generating massive amounts of data. A single security vulnerability in any device could compromise the entire ecosystem. Understanding the priority and severity of this risk, we emphasise stringent security measures, adhering to global standards and best practices. Our lifecycle management solutions, including Remote SIM Provisioning, are designed with these security prerequisites in mind, ensuring end-to-end protection and compliance.

Which key trends and technologies are impacting the IoT and connectivity landscape in India?

As of now, the major areas where IoT is seeing significant adoption are logistics and automotive, particularly in telematics. Tracking solutions, whether for vehicle tracking systems or logistics containers, are expanding rapidly. IoT is playing a key role in Industry 4.0, where new sensors and machines collect data for preventive maintenance. Large industrial groups are increasingly recognising the value of IoT use cases and are integrating it into their existing infrastructure.

Beyond industrial applications, smart cities are also leveraging IoT. Sensors are being used for smart energy management, waste management and water conservation. For instance, smart meters track energy consumption, waste management systems monitor collection efficiency, and water sensors help control inflow, outflow and water wastage. With the roll-out of 5G, healthcare is another sector experiencing transformation. Remote surgeries using robotic assistance are becoming a reality, due to reduced latency and higher speeds. I am sure that with 6G coming up in the next four or five years, we will see a gradual transformation in the industry. With artificial intelligence, 6G and IoT flourishing in the market, significant technological advancements are expected.

The government is also recognising the need for greater standardisation in IoT. This is something that requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, as it is currently in the implementation phase, with policies and regulations still being worked out. While this process might take some time, the presence of clear regulations will help IoT players align with specific guidelines. This ensures data privacy, proper data management and clear policies on aspects like data storage, data retention periods and how enterprises should filter and analyse it as IoT devices continue to grow in number. Right now, these aspects are still in the policy implementation phase. However, as the government and industry players recognise their growing importance, I believe that these challenges will eventually turn into opportunities, driving further progress in the IoT space.

What is your outlook for the company in the short to medium term?

From a mobile security perspective, particularly in the telecom space, we are focusing on IoT while continuously innovating new products and improving existing technology and solutions. We are actively investing in R&D, making strategic acquisitions and working towards a more integrated connectivity approach. Our goal is to establish G+D as a one-stop shop for IoT connectivity solutions. This includes providing hardware solutions, whether it is eSIMs, physical SIMs or iSIMs, as well as ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, we are focusing on the broader ecosystem – devices, backend systems, and how these elements will evolve in the future.