On-chip security circuit against hardware tampering

Computer security is a key issue for consumers, government agencies, and industry. While much of the focus has traditionally been centered on software, hardware-based security is necessary for a completely secure system. This technology describes a beacon circuit that provides hardware protection by alerting users to malicious tampering in design and fabrication. The beacon is integrated into the hardware itself and detects any changes in components or circuitry not intended by the user and provides alerts via unique power signature readouts. Beacon-based security provides a unified approach for protecting hardware from design to fabrication and beyond.

Offers protection against tampering in a design by foundries and manufacturers in addition to backdoors inserted by third party componentsDoes not require “golden designs” for comparisonUses confidential, customizable query signal for auditing hardwareBeacon is entangled with circuit design to ensure circuit will not operate after tamperingIntegrates security at design and fabrication levelPatent Information:Patent Pending (US 20160314300)Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU14190

Hardware security for microprocessor designers and manufacturersProtection against IP theftProtection for government agency hardwareHardware memory securityHardware security for mobile device and video game console components

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USA