Microsoft Acquires ReFirm Labs to Enhance IoT Security
June 03, 2021
News
Microsoft announced that they have acquired ReFirm Labs to enhance firmware analysis and security capabilities across devices that form the intelligent edge, from servers to IoT.
The addition of ReFirm Labs to Microsoft is designed to bring both expertise in firmware security and the Binwalk Enterprise, formerly Centrifuge firmware platform, to enhance the company's ability to analyze and help protect firmware.
ReFirm is the author of the Binwalk open-source software, which has been used to analyze devices for firmware security issues, uncovering unpatched common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs), insecure secrets, and a other security problems in IoT systems and embedded firmware.
Per the company, ReFirm’s firmware analysis technology will advance Microsoft’s existing capabilities to help secure IoT and OT devices via Azure Defender. Together, the companies plan to provide device builders and customers the ability to both discover, protect, and assess device risk both at the firmware and network level, and then patch devices with a cloud-based solution as is explained in this video.
According to Microsoft, this acquisition marks the next step to help secure customers from the chip to the cloud.
For more information, visit: www.microsoft.com/en-us/security
Tiera Oliver is the assistant managing editor at Embedded Computing Design. She is responsible for web content editing, product news, and story development. She also manages, edits, and develops content for ECD podcasts, including Embedded Insiders.
She utilizes her expertise in journalism and content management to oversee editorial content, coordinate with editors, and ensure high-quality output across web, print, and multimedia platforms. She manages diverse projects, assists in the production of digital magazines, and hosts company podcasts by conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders to deliver engaging and insightful discussions.
Tiera attended Northern Arizona University, where she received her bachelor's in journalism and political science. She was also a news reporter for the student-led newspaper, The Lumberjack.
