Logic Locking: A Practical Approach to Secure Hardware

Hardware Trojans are a significant security threat, and logic locking is a potential solution to protect hardware against malicious modifications. This book provides a step-by-step approach to understanding logic locking, from its fundamental mechanics to its implementation in software and its security properties in the age of machine learning. It can be used as a reference for beginners and experts alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

One of the most significant security threats to the modern world is the presence of hardware Trojans, which can have disastrous consequences. Protecting hardware against these malicious modifications is essential, and one potential solution lies in logic locking, a prominent hardware obfuscation technique.

In this comprehensive book, we take a step-by-step approach to understanding logic locking, from its fundamental mechanics to its implementation in software and its security properties in the age of machine learning. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field, this book serves as a valuable reference for designing, evaluating, and deploying modern locking policies.

Logic locking is a technique that prevents unauthorized modifications to hardware by locking the logic circuits that control the device's behavior. It involves encrypting the logic circuits and then decrypting them only when the device is authorized to access them. This ensures that even if someone gains physical access to the hardware, they cannot modify the logic without the proper authorization.

One of the key advantages of logic locking is that it can be implemented in various hardware architectures, including microprocessors, microcontrollers, and even FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) chips. This versatility makes it an effective solution for protecting a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to industrial control systems and medical equipment.

In addition to its security benefits, logic locking can also improve the reliability and performance of hardware systems. By preventing unauthorized modifications, it can prevent crashes and errors that can occur when hardware is modified without proper testing or validation. This can lead to improved uptime and reduced downtime, which can be critical in many industries.

However, implementing logic locking is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the encryption and decryption keys are secure and cannot be compromised. This requires the use of strong encryption algorithms and secure key management systems. Additionally, logic locking must be integrated into the hardware design from the beginning, which can be complex and time-consuming.

Despite these challenges, logic locking remains a promising solution for protecting hardware against malicious modifications. With the increasing prevalence of hardware Trojans and other security threats, it is essential to have robust security measures in place to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. By understanding the principles of logic locking and implementing it effectively, we can improve the security of our hardware systems and protect against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

In conclusion, hardware Trojans pose a significant security threat to the modern world, and logic locking is a promising solution for protecting hardware against these malicious modifications. This comprehensive book provides a step-by-step approach to understanding logic locking, from its fundamental mechanics to its implementation in software and its security properties in the age of machine learning. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field, this book serves as a valuable reference for designing, evaluating, and deploying modern locking policies. By implementing logic locking, we can improve the security of our hardware systems and protect against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031191220
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023