The Internet of Things (IoT) landscape has come a long way from smart TVs, washing machines, and CCTVs. In Asia-Pacific, 64% of enterprises have already deployed some form of IoT— whether sensors, smart watches, or VR headsets, according to a recent Kaspersky study. However, widespread adoption has also expanded the attack surface, with only about 10% of IoT owners believing that they are fully protected against cyberthreats.
For companies like Wireless Logic, IoT is a dynamic field requiring continuous innovation to meet evolving business demands.
Oliver Tucker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wireless Logic, sat down with Frontier Enterprise to discuss current issues in the IoT space, including challenges in APAC and new opportunities. He highlighted the company’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to leverage its low-Earth orbit satellites, and shared insights on integrating AI and machine learning to enhance IoT solutions.
You co-founded Wireless Logic with Phil Cole in 2000. What have been the highlights of your time there so far, and what are the most significant changes you’ve seen in the connectivity landscape since then, particularly with the rise of IoT?
The past two decades at Wireless Logic have been transformative. From our beginnings in 2000, we’ve expanded globally, managing over 13 million IoT subscriptions in 165 countries. Highlights include our strategic acquisitions, partnerships with industry giants like SpaceX’s Starlink, and advancements in IoT connectivity technology.
The connectivity landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of IoT, moving from basic machine-to-machine communications to sophisticated, data-driven IoT solutions. This evolution has enabled smarter decision-making, driving efficiency and innovation across various sectors, from healthcare to smart energy.
What are the biggest challenges you see in IoT connectivity within APAC, and how do you think the industry as a whole can address these?
The APAC region presents unique challenges, including diverse regulatory landscapes and technological disparities. To address these, the industry must invest in localised support and resources, forge strong regional partnerships, and develop adaptable, scalable solutions.
Enhancing cybersecurity measures is also crucial to protect sensitive data. By leveraging AI for threat detection and anomaly management, and ensuring compliance with local regulations, the industry can better meet the diverse needs of APAC markets and foster sustainable growth.
With the rapid evolution of IoT technology, what strategies do you believe are essential for staying ahead in the market?
To stay ahead, we focus on a customer-centric approach, continuous innovation, and strategic acquisitions. Flexibility is key — we remain network and service agnostic, allowing us to offer tailored solutions to businesses across sectors.
Investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning enhances our capabilities, while expanding our geographic footprint through strategic investments helps us stay competitive. Acquiring companies with specialised expertise and integrating new technologies quickly enables us to offer advanced solutions.
What do you see as the primary security threats facing IoT implementations today, and what are some best practices for mitigating these risks?
It’s interesting to see how IoT security has evolved over the years. In the past, IoT devices were quite vulnerable, with convenience and simplicity often prioritised over security. Today, there is a shift towards a security-first approach, prioritising secure network attachment for devices.
Some key primary security threats include unauthorised access, data breaches, and AI-driven cyberattacks. Mitigating these risks requires robust encryption, continuous monitoring, and anomaly detection using AI. Adhering to industry standards and regulations, designing devices with security in mind, and maintaining updated software and firmware are critical. A 360-degree security approach — defending, detecting, and reacting to threats — is essential. Regular rehearsals and continuous improvement processes further strengthen security measures, ensuring a resilient IoT ecosystem.
Can you share how Wireless Logic integrates AI and machine learning into its IoT solutions to improve connectivity and performance?
At Wireless Logic, we integrate AI and machine learning to enhance threat detection, optimise network performance, and provide predictive maintenance. AI-driven analytics help identify patterns and anomalies, enabling proactive measures to ensure connectivity and performance.
This integration supports smarter, more resilient solutions that adapt to the dynamic needs of users, improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and fortifying security.
What are some of the most exciting things you’re working on? What’s your tech roadmap like for the next five years?
Currently, we are excited about our collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink to develop robust connectivity solutions by combining satellite and cellular networks. This is particularly important for organisations and businesses that require uninterrupted connectivity, especially in challenging cross-border environments and areas without cellular coverage, such as marine operations.
Looking ahead, we are exploring further integration of frontier technologies like AI to enhance our services and expand our presence in APAC. Our focus will be on driving innovation, enhancing security in our services and solutions, and providing advanced IoT connectivity solutions that seek to address evolving global needs.
