Researchers presented new techniques to fight sophisticated hacking at a tech conference. Here are the highlights:
Self-destruct chips:
- A team from Vermont and Marvell created chips with unique fingerprints that can destroy themselves (through increased voltage) if tampered with. This prevents both counterfeiting and unauthorized access to information.
- Probe detection: Columbia and Intel researchers developed a circuit that detects probes attached to a circuit board, preventing hackers from gaining physical control of a system.
- Signal Obscuring: Researchers from Texas and Intel created a method to hide a chip’s power and electromagnetic signals, making it harder for attackers to steal information.
These innovations could improve chip security and save businesses billions from chip counterfeiting.
Comments
NGL. After I saw “Self-destruct chips”, I was just overwhelmed by Mission Impossible theme song.
eh… good idea in theory, bad idea in practice.
It can be used for good things like making ATM pin pads even more tamper resistant, but I guarantee it will be prevent people from repairing any hardware they “buy” instead.