Communication is a fundamental aspect of life that we've excelled at enhancing through tools. In today's world, connectivity has evolved into a basic human necessity, with wireless communication at its core. The emergence of eSIM, 5G and private networks is re-defining connectivity, changing the user experience, expanding the market opportunities, and introducing unseen cyber threats.
Thales actively contributes to this digital transformation connecting and securing cellular communications of billions of individuals and hundreds of millions of connected devices. Our mission is to positively impact society by enabling and securing connectivity across three pillars: enabling new usages, securing them, and maintaining simplicity.
New usages
Consider the evolution of connectivity in everyday life. From mandated cellular subscriptions in European cars for emergency calls since 2018 (eCall), to the pervasive adoption of connected devices like smart meters, body cameras, trackers, and health monitors, Thales technologies have been at the forefront, ensuring the secure and reliable operation of these devices.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, connectivity has become crucial for work and education, driving the growth of home office and remote learning. Thales technologies have played an essential role in supporting this transition by providing the necessary infrastructure for remote working and learning.
In areas devoid of wired connections, 5G has unlocked new possibilities. Fixed wireless access (FWA) boxes leverage 5G networks to provide high-speed internet access to underserved communities, with Thales supplying essential components to ensure instant connectivity for millions of households.
Smartphone usage extends into the automotive realm with digital car keys enabling keyless access, enhancing convenience and fostering new scenarios for smartphone-based car sharing. Thales contributes to standardized solutions for global smartphone-to-vehicle connectivity, ensuring security and interoperability.
New threats
When we use our smartphone to pay in shops, access transport services, unlock a car, or present a digital ID, it stores and manages secrets that make our everyday life simpler and more fluid. However, with increased connectivity comes increased vulnerability to cyber threats. The attack surface is expanding as more connected devices give hackers access to more data, and identity becomes more critical than ever. And today it’s not just criminals who want to steal, there are also hacktivists and state actors seeking chaos. Thales creates a circle of trust for a user, an object, or a network of devices to protect key moments of our lives.
For example, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations not only provide electricity but also collect vehicle IDs, transmit activity reports, and process data on energy supply and demand, posing potential targets for attackers. Thales contributes to the Mobilize Powerbox charging station cybersecurity and data protection as part of the Software République collaborative ecosystem.
Additionally, to combat fraud and meet security requirements, mobile network operators in numerous countries must verify subscriber identities. Thales facilitated real-time, automated identity verification for TIM Brazil by integrating biometric technologies into the enrollment process.
Safeguarding the digital identity of connected electricity meters to prevent third-party interference and data compromise is vital for daily life and national security. Thales offers end-to-end cyber protection, securing identities and data exchanged throughout the device
lifecycle.
Furthermore, with the imminent threat of quantum computing, traditional encryption methods become obsolete. Thales, in collaboration with SK Telecom, pioneered post-quantum cryptography solutions to ensure data security in this new era.
Keeping things simple
In a world where connectivity is ubiquitous, ensuring simplicity is paramount. Our goal is to streamline operations, guaranteeing reliability, security, and ease of use for consumers and IoT devices alike.
With the growing adoption of eSIMs, obtaining subscriptions poses a challenge, for devices that must automatically connect to a cellular network wherever they are deployed. Thales facilitates temporary cellular connectivity without requiring Wi-Fi, allowing automatic download of the final subscription. This service provides frictionless user experiences and automated industrial device activation.
Addressing the challenge of changing connectivity providers for a widespread fleet of devices, Stellantis, in the automotive sector, remotely reprogrammed Thales eSIMs in a million vehicles, seamlessly transitioning them between operators without physical intervention.
Travellers too can benefit from eSIMs, accessing local subscriptions abroad with a simple download, thus avoiding hefty roaming charges. Thales's eSIM provisioning platform has been instrumental in this market, facilitating hundreds of thousands of transactions in 2023 alone.
Private networks, whether at a port, factory, stadium, or for civil security, must maintain strict privacy, allowing only authorized users and devices to connect, access corporate applications, and exchange data. Telecom standards emphasize the eSIM's pivotal role in security. The Thales eSIM as a Service web portal simplifies eSIM deployment and management for private networks, accommodating diverse needs effortlessly.
In this tech-driven world, managing connectivity requires a new approach centred on security, reliability, and simplicity. We're adapting to evolving needs by embracing new usages, prioritizing cyber protection, and delivering intuitive, reliable solutions.
Our commitment to delivering secure solutions ensures that new usages meet evolving expectations without compromising cyber protection.
Our mission? Delivering secure solutions for a connected world.