In an interview, Sharon Hagi, Chief Security Officer at Silicon Labs, spoke from Electronics Buzz about achieving the world’s first PSA Level 4 certification. Sharon explained how this milestone sets a new global benchmark for trust in IoT, the role of Secure Vault technology in “security by design,” and how Silicon Labs is helping device makers worldwide navigate tightening regulations while staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Read the full interview here:
EB: Silicon Labs has achieved the world’s first PSA Level 4 certification. From an international security standpoint, how does this redefine trust and assurance in IoT devices?
Sharon: Achieving the world’s first PSA Level 4 certification with our Series 3 SiXG301 SoC and its Secure Vault technology is a landmark moment not just for Silicon Labs, but for the IoT industry as a whole. While IoT security was once considered a “nice to have,” the growing complexity of threats has made trust the absolute foundation of any connected device. This certification sets a new global benchmark for what “trustworthy” really means in IoT.
PSA Level 4 represents the highest level of independent product security certification and assurance available today, proving that our technology can resist some of the most sophisticated forms of attack—things like side-channel analysis or laser fault injections that were once extremely challenging to manifest and implement beyond the theoretical. For businesses and consumers worldwide, this means they can trust that devices built on our SiXG301 SoC and Secure Vault technology are designed to protect sensitive data and provide durable protection against future threats.
EB: With tightening security laws like the EU RED, CRA, and US Cyber Trust Mark, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee for device makers worldwide, and how is Silicon Labs helping them adapt?
Sharon: The new wave of regulations is reshaping how device makers think about security. The primary challenge is that compliance is no longer optional. Failing to meet standards like the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) or US Cyber Trust Mark can prevent a device from ever reaching the market. This puts immense pressure on companies that may not have deep security expertise. Meeting these requirements also presents a significant opportunity for brands to build greater trust with customers and stand out in a crowded market..
At Silicon Labs, we see ourselves as an enabler. Our Secure Vault technology, validated by PSA Level 4 certification, is already designed to meet these global requirements. We also provide developers with the tools, guidance, and ongoing support to stay ahead of regulatory shifts. Ultimately, this reduces the burden on product teams and helps them focus on innovation while knowing their security foundation is solid.
EB: How does Secure Vault technology on the SiXG301 SoC embody a “security by design” approach, and why is this critical for the future of connected devices?
Sharon: “Security by design” means security isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation. That’s why Secure Vault is built directly into the architecture of the SiXG301 SoC, embedding features like hardware-based cryptography, secure key storage, and tamper detection from the ground up.
This matters because the IoT threat landscape is constantly evolving, and devices must remain secure for years after deployment. A “security by design” foundation, combined with secure over-the-air updates, is the best and most effective way to ensure a device remains secure throughout its lifecycle. For critical infrastructure, healthcare, or smart cities, this resilience is not just important—it’s essential for safeguarding both data and human lives.
EB: Given India’s rapid progress in smart cities, Industry 4.0, and public sector digitization, how can the country balance speed of adoption with robust cybersecurity?
Sharon: India is moving at an incredible pace when it comes to deploying connected technologies, from smart lighting and traffic systems to digitized healthcare and manufacturing. The temptation is always to prioritize speed, but without security, that speed can come at a very high cost. The key is to integrate security from the start, not after systems are already in place. This doesn’t have to slow down progress; in fact, it often accelerates adoption because stakeholders feel more confident in the technology.
At Silicon Labs, secure platforms like our Series 3 devices can help India adopt IoT at scale while maintaining resilience. By making security a default, not an afterthought, India can position itself to become not just a leader in adoption, but also a leader in trusted digital infrastructure.
EB: How is Silicon Labs’ Hyderabad R&D center contributing to secure semiconductor innovation, and how does this local expertise integrate with global security strategies?
Sharon: Our Hyderabad R&D center is a core hub of innovation, not just a support center. Our engineers there are central to designing, testing, and validating our most advanced technologies, such as Secure Vault. This local expertise is then integrated with our global security strategy through close collaboration with our teams in Austin, Boston, and other locations. This ensures our solutions meet both regional needs and international standards, all as part of a larger goal to build a global culture of security-first engineering where India’s talent is helping to define how the world connects securely.
EB: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, what emerging risks should industries prepare for, and how is Silicon Labs staying ahead to protect next-generation IoT infrastructure?
Sharon: The nature of cyber attackers is evolving, moving from simple software exploits to advanced hardware-level attacks that target the very heart of a device. Emerging risks, including physical tampering, fault injection, and side-channel analysis, are no longer hypothetical—they are practical realities that industries must now address.
At Silicon Labs, our strategy is to stay ahead by designing security that anticipates these risks before they become mainstream. Achieving PSA Level 4 certification is proof of that forward-looking approach. We also believe security is a continuous journey, not a one-time achievement. This journey requires a commitment to real-time monitoring, secure over-the-air updates, and ongoing collaboration with global testing partners. A comprehensive approach ensures that next-generation IoT infrastructure remains resilient as threats continue to evolve.
