Cybersecurity of nano- and microelectronic devices and systems involves protecting advanced electronic systems, such as processors, microchips, integrated circuits, and MEMS and NEMS devices from cyber and physical attacks. In particular, it concerns safeguards against the takeover of devices, the introduction of malware, the falsification of signals, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities in the software of control systems. Due to the increasing miniaturisation of devices, the Cybersecurity of microelectronics requires new protection strategies, such as hardware authentication, techniques to prevent side-channel attacks, and secure chip design (hardware security).
Cybersecurity of Nano- and Microelectronic Devices and Systems
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Safe equipment design: Integrated circuit design methods that minimise the risk of cyber attacks.
- Hardware authentication: Using cryptographic keys to verify the authenticity of components.
- Protection against side-channel attacks: Protection against information leakage based on signal analysis (e.g. electromagnetic radiation, power consumption).
- Secure firmware: Protecting circuit software from malicious modifications.
- Manipulation detection technologies: Systems to identify circuit takeover attempts.
Industry usage
- Automotive industry: Protecting microelectronic systems in cars from being taken over.
- Telecommunications: Securing network devices against attacks at the hardware level.
- Electronics manufacturing: Protecting against counterfeit components in the supply chain.
- Medical systems: Securing microelectronic devices against life-safety sensitive attacks.
- Aviation: Protecting integrated circuits in aerospace systems from being taken over.
Importance for the economy
Cybersecurity of microelectronics is key to protecting advanced systems and devices used in industry, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and medicine. Taking control of these systems can lead to serious operational disruptions, financial losses, and risks to health and life. Effective microelectronic safeguards minimise the risk of sabotage and ensure reliable operation of equipment under critical conditions.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
Using AI algorithms to monitor and detect anomalies in equipment performance.
Mechanism of action
- Cybersecurity of nano- and microelectronic devices is based on the integration of security methods in the design process and during the production of integrated circuits. At the hardware level, techniques used involve the protection of cryptographic keys, verification of the authenticity of components, and securing communications between components. At the software level, technologies used involve the protection against malicious code injection and side-channel attacks, which can reveal data based on analysis of power consumption, electromagnetic signals, or response times.
Advantages
- Protecting the integrity of the equipment: Preventing equipment manipulation and unauthorised modifications.
- Credibility of systems: Guaranteeing the proper operation of microelectronics in critical environments.
- Protection against false components: Identification and protection against counterfeit electronic components.
- Data transmission security: Protecting communications between components from eavesdropping.
- Preventing sabotage: Minimisation of the risk of attacks on chip hardware and software.
Disadvantages
- Side-channel attacks: Risk of data leakage based on analysis of electromagnetic signals, power consumption, or response times.
- Malicious firmware: Possibility of introducing malicious code into control systems.
- Fake components: Risk of introducing counterfeit components into the supply chain.
- Taking control of the equipment: Unauthorised access to the circuits can lead to taking control of the devices.
- Difficulties in updating security features: Problems with chip software updates in embedded devices.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Hardware security systems: Tools for authenticating and verifying the integrity of systems.
- Attack testing tools: Simulators for testing circuit resistance to side-channel attacks.
- Key management systems: Software for secure management and distribution of cryptographic keys.
- Monitoring equipment: Devices for monitoring power consumption and signals emitted by systems.
- Secure testing labs: Infrastructure for testing equipment resistance to physical and electromagnetic attacks.
Required competences
- Microelectronics engineering: Design and implementation of integrated circuits with security features.
- Hardware security: Knowledge of authentication and hardware security techniques.
- Cryptanalysis: Ability to design and implement cryptographic security.
- Penetration tests: Knowledge of techniques for conducting and detecting side-channel attacks.
- IT security management: Ability to integrate hardware security into existing IT systems.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High energy demand of devices used to monitor and test equipment.
- Waste generated: Problems with disposal of obsolete microelectronic components.
- Recycling: Limited recyclability of materials from advanced integrated circuits.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for rare metals and raw materials used in circuit manufacturing.
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions from the operation of advanced test systems.
Legal conditions
- Microelectronics protection standards: Regulations for the equipment security in critical sectors.
- Occupational safety: Regulations for the protection of workers from the dangers of working on microelectronics.
- Cryptographic standards: Standards for cryptographic security in microelectronics.