Hardware Supply Chain Security: Threat Modelling, Emerging Attacks and Countermeasures

This book offers a novel threat modeling approach for the hardware supply chain, highlighting security risks and emerging countermeasures for electronic systems. It presents a case study of a security attack on light ciphers and discusses anti-counterfeit design techniques and anomaly detection methods.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 217 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into a novel threat modeling approach tailored specifically for the hardware supply chain, encompassing a wide range of security risks throughout the lifecycle of electronic systems. The authors present a captivating case study highlighting a groundbreaking new type of security attack, seamlessly merging two distinct attack mechanisms from two different stages of the integrated circuit (IC) supply chain. More specifically, this attack targets the recently introduced lightweight cipher (Ascon) and showcases its susceptibility to breach, even when compromised by a hardware Trojan. Furthermore, the book explores emerging countermeasures, such as anti-counterfeit design techniques for resource-constrained devices and anomaly detection methods for embedded systems.

The authors begin by introducing the concept of threat modeling, emphasizing its importance in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities in the hardware supply chain. They then delve into the specifics of the new attack, explaining how it exploits vulnerabilities in both the IC design and manufacturing processes. The case study presented vividly illustrates the potential consequences of such an attack, highlighting the risks associated with compromised lightweight ciphers.

To address these risks, the book discusses various countermeasures. One notable approach is the implementation of anti-counterfeit design techniques, particularly for resource-constrained devices. These techniques aim to enhance the security of ICs by incorporating robust authentication mechanisms and tamper resistance features. Another important countermeasure is the use of anomaly detection methods for embedded systems, which can identify and respond to unusual behavior that may indicate a security breach.

The authors also address the challenges associated with threat modeling in the hardware supply chain, such as the complexity of the supply chain, the lack of standardization, and the evolving nature of threats. They propose strategies for overcoming these challenges, including collaboration between stakeholders, the development of industry standards, and the continuous improvement of threat modeling practices.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of hardware security. By presenting a comprehensive threat modeling approach tailored specifically for the hardware supply chain, it provides insights into the emerging risks and challenges faced by electronic systems. The case study and countermeasures discussed offer practical solutions for enhancing the security of ICs and embedded systems, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Whether you are a security professional, engineer, or researcher, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in developing robust and resilient hardware systems.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030627096
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021