Strengthening Embedded System Security with a Holistic Approach
Embedded systems are integral to modern technology, but their growing adoption across industries increases their exposure to cyber threats, according to Pearson and Microchip, (2024). Securing these systems requires a holistic approach integrating protection at every level, from hardware design to software implementation. Microchip Technology Inc. has pioneered a comprehensive security framework incorporating secure key storage, encryption, tamper detection, and risk assessment methodologies to safeguard embedded systems from evolving threats. By prioritizing a secure-by- design philosophy over bolt-on security, Microchip ensures its products remain resilient against cyberattacks.
Addressing Embedded System Vulnerabilities
The attack surface of an embedded system consists of multiple vulnerabilities, including network exploits, memory breaches, side-channel attacks, and insecure open ports, as noted by Pearson and Microchip, (2024). If designers do not address security flaws at the design stage, adversaries can exploit these weaknesses to inject malware, manipulate firmware, or intercept critical data. Microchip emphasizes the importance of threat modeling and risk assessment in identifying potential vulnerabilities early. Microchip mitigates risks associated with common embedded system attacks by designing crypto accelerators, secure boot mechanisms, and advanced anti-tamper protections.
Microchip FPGA Security: A Robust Defense Strategy
Microchip designs its FPGA security architecture to resist physical and remote attacks, actively protecting intellectual property and sensitive data, as highlighted by Pearson and Microchip, (2024). The PolarFire SoC and PolarFire FPGA security framework, as shown in the figure 1 below, integrates multiple protective measures, including:
- DPA-resistant crypto accelerators
- Secure key storage using Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs)
- Tamper detection and secure supply chain management
- Private NVM (pNVM) for patch code and keys
- Secure NVM (sNVM) for configuration and user key storage
These features ensure that Microchip’s FPGAs prevent unauthorized cloning, reverse engineering, and unauthorized system access.
Figure 1: Microchip FPGA Security Architecture
Monitoring and Protecting Against Environmental Attacks
One critical aspect of embedded security involves protecting against environmental threats, such as temperature fluctuations and voltage variations, which attackers can exploit through side-channel and fault injection attacks, as mentioned by Pearson and Microchip, (2024). Microchip integrates high-speed analog window comparators and digital temperature sensors to detect abnormal voltage or temperature variations. The figure 2 below illustrates how these sensors monitor system integrity, detect anomalies, and trigger tamper flags to prevent unauthorized access.
Figure 2: Anti-Tamper: Temperature and Voltage Sensors
By integrating real-time voltage and temperature monitoring, Microchip strengthens FPGA security, ensuring resilience against environmental manipulations that could compromise system integrity.
Safeguarding Intellectual Property and Preventing Cloning
According to Pearson and Microchip, (2024), Intellectual property (IP) theft is a significant concern in embedded systems, costing businesses billions annually. Overbuilding, counterfeiting, and cloning proprietary designs pose serious risks to revenue and innovation. Microchip combats these threats by incorporating secure non- volatile memory (sNVM) with customizable storage modes, secure supply chain management, and advanced anti-tamper mechanisms such as digital hashing and environmental monitoring.
Additionally, Microchip employs multiple encryption modes, including Plaintext Mode, Authenticated Plaintext Mode, and Authenticated Ciphertext Mode, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data, as emphasized by Pearson and Microchip, (2024). The diagram below illustrates how metadata, authentication tags, and encryption transform user data at different security levels, preventing unauthorized access and tampering.
Figure 3: Secure Non-Volatile Memory (sNVM) with Data Encryption Modes
By leveraging these technologies, businesses can protect their IP assets while complying with industry security standards.
Building Trust Through Secure Manufacturing and Anti-Tamper Measures
Microchip adopts a trusted system supply chain approach to ensure the security of its FPGAs and SoCs from design to deployment, as highlighted by Pearson and Microchip, (2024). This process includes trusted FPGA design software, secure assembly and testing procedures, and real-time monitoring for unauthorized modifications. Microchip integrates digital and analog anti-tamper features, including voltage and temperature sensors, anti-tamper flags, and secure boot protocols to enhance security further. These proactive measures establish a multi-layered defense strategy, ensuring that Microchip’s embedded systems remain safe, reliable, and resilient against emerging threats.
Note: For those interested in the latest advancements in verification technologies, the FPGA Verification Event 2025 (Verification Futures UK) offers an excellent opportunity to gain insights into cutting-edge verification practices.
References
Pearson, I., & Microchip. (2024). FPGA system and device level security considerations. https://alpinumconsulting.com/fpga-front-runner-nov24/
