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.
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.