The Pepperl+Fuchs Group, a pioneer in the field of mobile devices for hazardous areas, focuses not only on explosion protection for its mobile devices, but also on security against cyberattacks. To provide the best possible protection against threats and minimize the risk of a data breach, Pepperl+Fuchs is increasingly relying on independent Common Criteria certification for its mobile devices, which is one of the world's most stringent cybersecurity certifications. It assesses and guarantees that a certified device meets strict security criteria, including secure data and communication management, protection against unauthorized access, integrity of the operating system and applications, and resilience against known cyberthreats.
Focus on Operational Safety and Cybersecurity
Common Criteria certification is particularly recommended for products used in demanding industrial environments such as hazardous areas. That is why Pepperl+Fuchs has had its 5G smartphone Smart-Ex® 03 certified accordingly. The smartphone has been structurally tested and achieves security level EAL2, which is a high standard for a mobile device. Only highly secure official communication would require EAL3 and certification according to a correspondingly standardized protection profile. Customers can therefore rest assured that the Smart-Ex® 03 offers appropriate protection against cyberthreats.
In addition to the Smart-Ex® 03, the two Samsung powered 5G tablets Tab-Ex® 04 Pro and Tab-Ex® 05 also meet Common Criteria. Pepperl+Fuchs thus offers a comprehensive portfolio for mobile workers in industrial sectors that is not only certified for use in hazardous areas – depending on the device and variant, up to Division 1 and Zone 1/21 – but also meets the most stringent regulations for operational safety and digital security.
International Standard
A particular advantage of Common Criteria certification is that it is recognized internationally by more than 30 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. This ensures high, uniform standards, improves the acceptance of IT products, and increases confidence in security.
“Protection against cyberattacks is playing an increasingly important role, especially for mobile devices,” says Jörg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. “This makes it all the more important for us to offer our customers appropriately secured devices for use in Ex zones. Pepperl+Fuchs is currently the only supplier to offer Common Criteria-certified, intrinsically safe mobile devices in its portfolio. This underscores the importance we place on our customers' security.”
“We are proud to have had the opportunity to accompany P&F through this highly complex security scheme. Thanks to our dedicated consulting and the tailored support we provided, we – together with our trusted testing and certification partners – successfully enabled the achievement of a key industry milestone: the Common Criteria EAL2 certification. This certification not only underscores the technological sophistication of Pepperl+Fuchs’s products but also speaks volumes about the exceptional commitment and expertise of the development teams at ECOM, Avaa Mobile, and Pepperl+Fuchs. It reflects a shared commitment to cybersecurity, quality, and innovation that drives forward the entire sector. At Eurofins E&E, we believe that true progress in cybersecurity comes from collaboration, rigorous standards, and an unwavering focus on excellence,” added Dipl.-Ing. Thami Elidrissi, Head of Wireless Strategy and Cybersecurity at Eurofins E&E Europe.