Security is often an afterthought, until something goes wrong. In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we sit down with Steve Hanna, Distinguished Engineer at Infineon Technologies, to explore why security is existential for Ambient IoT, AI-driven systems, and the connected world.

Steve brings decades of experience shaping the foundations of internet security, from authoring IETF RFCs to leading working groups in Matter, the Trusted Computing Group, and the International Society of Automation. With 48 issued patents and a career spent translating complex cryptography into real-world products, he offers a rare insider’s view of how security standards are built and why they matter.

The conversation dives into real-world risks, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals infiltrating supply chains, privacy breaches from pervasive tracking, and how attackers could exploit low-cost, energy-harvesting IoT devices. Steve explains the unique constraints of Ambient IoT, including extreme cost sensitivity and ultra-low power budgets, and how techniques like symmetric cryptography, unique device identities, and hardware acceleration can deliver strong security without breaking the business case.

We also explore how AI changes both offense and defense in cybersecurity, why privacy and consent are critical for consumer trust, and how “secure by default” approaches like Matter simplify security for everyday users.

Beyond technology, Steve shares career insights, the importance of explaining complex ideas simply, and his personal music choices that reflect gratitude, collaboration, and joy.

If you are building connected products or betting your business on the physical-digital convergence, this episode is a masterclass in designing trust into systems from day one.

Steve’s Favorite Songs:

• “Everyday Is A Day of Thanksgiving” by Dr. Charles G Hayes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ooK66xOpZg
• “This Is My Song” by Lloyd Stone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXooDIWVRZs
• (Anything by Earth Wind & Fire): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCztiH7D-fHwsMyUF8r15vsQ

Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.

Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy.