Pepperl+Fuchs Offers Common Criteria-Certified, Intrinsically Safe Mobile Devices

Summary

Aug. 18, 2025 – 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.

According to the Verizon Mobile Security Index, 53% of companies have already experienced a cyberattack in which a mobile device or IoT technologies were used as an attack vector. In its Data Breach Report, IBM pointed out that in 2024, the average cost of a data breach worldwide was US$4.88 million.

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.

In the photo above, Thami Elidrissi, head of Wireless Strategy and Cybersecurity at Eurofins E&E Europe (left) presents Jörg Hartleb, head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments (middle) and Roolf Wessels, managing director at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments (right) with the certificate for the passed Common Criteria certification of the Smart-Ex 03.

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.
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,” said 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.

About the Smart-Ex 03

With 5G and Wi-Fi 6e support, the Smart-Ex 03 is ideally suited for global use in public and private networks. The state-of-the-art camera precisely addresses the industry's requirements for scanning and documentation or for video conferencing. Glove Mode and S Pen allow precise use of the high-resolution 6-inch display even in harsh industrial conditions when wearing gloves. For increased device security, the Smart-Ex 03 is equipped with a fingerprint sensor that allows the device and installed applications to be accessed via biometrics.
Thanks to Google ARCore and Android Enterprise Recommended certification, the Smart-Ex 03 is not only suitable for demanding augmented reality applications but also guarantees long-term firmware and security updates. Depending on the variant, the Smart-Ex 03 is certified for use up to Division 1 and Zone 1/21 and is also available as a camera-only variant with smartphone functions disabled via kiosk mode.
 

About the Tab-Ex 04 Pro

Pepperl+Fuchs expanded its Tab-Ex tablet series with the Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2, a 10-inch device that offers high performance and innovative applications such as augmented reality for use in industrial environments. With its compact and lightweight form factor, it is ideal for tasks such as inventory, material tracking, maintenance, or supply chain and plant management. Thanks to DeX mode, employees can use a single device both in the field and in the office. Designed in cooperation with Samsung, the Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 offers a long product lifecycle, state-of-the-art technology, reliability (TCO), and security thanks to Samsung Knox. It is certified for use in Division 2 and Zone 2/22.
 

About the Tab-Ex 05

The Tab-Ex 05 continues the success story of the 8-inch tablet series in the next generation. With certification for use in Division 1 and Zone 1/21, it offers maximum reliability and ease of use in demanding industrial conditions. Guaranteed operating system updates up to Android 22 and security updates until 2032, thanks to Android Enterprise Recommended certification, ensure a long service life.

The augmented reality-enabled camera and an expanded set of tracking tools pave the way for location-based AR features such as indoor localization. It is also ideally suited for remote support, training, and the use of company-specific tools. DeX mode allows mobile workers to use the device both in the field and in the office as a viable alternative to a desktop PC.

About Pepperl+Fuchs

As one of the leading companies in the automation industry, Pepperl+Fuchs is considered a pioneer in its markets worldwide with groundbreaking technologies. For conventional and future applications, the company based in Mannheim, Germany, offers a comprehensive portfolio for factory automation and for the process industry. At the same time, Pepperl+Fuchs is constantly advancing pioneering technologies and thus paving the way for its customers to meet the coming challenges of Industry 4.0.