ioXt Alliance, founded by Orange County entrepreneur Gary Jabara, has been selected to lead a cybersecurity initiative for the Federal Communications Commission.
ioXt will serve as the lead administrator for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, a national initiative designed to improve the cybersecurity of consumers’ internet-connected devices, commonly known as the Internet of Things.
Costa Mesa-based ioXt has established security standards for everyday connected devices, including cellphones, smart-home lighting controls, automotive technology and thousands of products. The organization is positioned to address growing demand for Internet of Things device certifications that meet cybersecurity requirements across a broad range of product categories.
The ioXt certification is intended to give consumers confidence that smart-home devices will protect their privacy and security as alliance members work with government regulators and major industry players.
The Cyber Trust Mark program “is designed to help consumers easily identify connected products that meet recognized cybersecurity standards, while encouraging manufacturers to prioritize security at every stage of development,” Jabara told the Business Journal on May 18.
Founded in 2019
Jabara founded ioXt Alliance in 2019 and serves as its chairman.
Previously, he founded Newport Beach-based Mobilitie in 2005. The company was sold to BAI Communications for a reported $1.7 billion in 2021. BAI has since rebranded as Boldyn Networks.
Jabara has since become increasingly involved in real estate ventures.
The ioXt Alliance includes manufacturers, industry alliances and government organizations. Major technology companies and manufacturers, including Google, T-Mobile and Silicon Labs, have certified a wide range of devices through the alliance’s program.
Those products span smart-home systems, smart buildings, cellular Internet of Things technology and mobile devices.
Years of Research
Jabara said the FCC’s decision to select ioXt follows years of technical research, standards development, industry collaboration and engagement with policymakers and regulators.
The FCC said in a public notice on April 13: “ioXt is an independent, U.S.-based non-profit organization, whose focus is on improving the security, privacy, and transparency of IoT products.”
Actively Expanding Team
The ioXt Alliance currently has 12 employees and is actively expanding its team.
“ioXt’s business model is structured around recurring subscription services, laboratory testing fees, certification fees, and registry administration services. As Lead Administrator, ioXt will operate and manage the national registry supporting the FCC’s Cyber Trust Mark program,” according to Jabara.
While ioXt is working closely with the FCC and broader industry stakeholders in support of the program’s public-interest objectives, the long-term operational model is intended to be commercially sustainable.
The majority of the alliance’s focus is domestic, and it continues to operate in international regions including Europe and Singapore.
