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Defeating Data-Leakage Hardware Trojans: A Practical Approach Combining Randomization and Split Manufacturing


Core Concepts
RECORD, a novel scheme of temporarily randomized encoding for combinational logic, combined with split manufacturing, can effectively prevent data-leakage from hardware Trojans.
Abstract

The content discusses RECORD (Randomized Encoding of COmbinational Logic for Resistance to Data Leakage), a framework for fighting-through data-leakage hardware Trojans. RECORD has two main components:

  1. Randomization: RECORD introduces randomness by combining a circuit's primary inputs with a random number generator's output. This randomizes the data processing, making it difficult for attackers to interpret the leaked information.

  2. Split Manufacturing: The randomization logic is produced in a trusted facility, while the core combinational logic is outsourced. This split manufacturing approach ensures the random number generator's output remains secure and inaccessible to potential hardware Trojans.

The content also discusses design considerations for RECORD, including its impact on power, area, and delay. It highlights how RECORD can be extended to handle sequential logic, provide fault tolerance, and be selectively applied in system-on-chip (SoC) designs. The content further explores how RECORD can mitigate the impact of "leave-behind" applications and deter other types of hardware Trojans.

The paper presents a practical demonstration of RECORD at the printed circuit board (PCB) level, where the randomized encoding is applied to an image enhancement functionality. The results show that RECORD effectively obfuscates the data leaked by the hardware Trojans, rendering the leaked information unusable.

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Stats
"RECORD's 2-step process of introducing randomness in the information processing and split manufacturing restores confidentiality (i.e., thwarts data-leakage) when trust was surrendered by outsourcing the fs." "An 8-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) Substitution Box (Sbox) was synthesized and laid-out as a measure of RECORD's expected design costs. The maximum design penalties (in terms of power, area, and delay) for this sample RECORDized design were: 3.4x increase in dynamic power, 2.19x increase in leakage power, 2.4x increase in area, and ≤ 11% increase in delay."
Quotes
"Fighting-through a hardware Trojan leaking confidential data off a chip is performed by RECORD (Randomized Encoding of COmbinational Logic for Resistance to Data Leakage)." "RECORD is not a completely new way to design digital logic; instead, designers are free to use the CAD/CAE tools of their choice for logic design." "The payoff is that a smart buyer can harness the global design and production capabilities while being assured that the trust in confidentiality surrendered to those untrusted sources of supply can be restored."

Deeper Inquiries

How can RECORD be further optimized to reduce the design overhead while maintaining its security guarantees?

To optimize RECORD (Randomized Encoding of COmbinational Logic for Resistance to Data Leakage) and reduce design overhead while preserving its security guarantees, several strategies can be employed: Selective Randomization: Instead of randomizing all inputs, designers can analyze the critical paths and identify which inputs are most susceptible to data leakage. By selectively applying randomization only to these inputs, the overall complexity and resource usage can be minimized without significantly compromising security. Adaptive Randomization: Implementing an adaptive randomization scheme that dynamically adjusts the level of randomization based on the operational context or threat level can help balance performance and security. For instance, during high-security operations, more extensive randomization can be applied, while less critical operations can utilize reduced randomization. Efficient Multiplexer Design: The design of multiplexers used in RECORD can be optimized for area and power consumption. By employing more efficient multiplexer architectures or using smaller multiplexers for less critical paths, the overall design can be streamlined. Integration with Existing Design Flows: Ensuring that RECORD can seamlessly integrate with existing CAD/CAE tools can reduce the learning curve and implementation time for designers. This integration can facilitate the use of automated tools to optimize the layout and routing of the randomized logic. Hierarchical Design Approaches: Utilizing hierarchical design methodologies can help manage complexity. By breaking down the design into smaller, manageable modules that can be independently optimized, the overall design overhead can be reduced while maintaining the integrity of the security features. Utilization of Advanced Packaging Techniques: Leveraging advanced packaging techniques, such as 3D integration and Through Silicon Vias (TSVs), can enhance the performance of RECORD while potentially reducing the area overhead associated with traditional Quilt Packaging. By implementing these strategies, RECORD can achieve a more efficient design that maintains its robust security against data-leakage hardware Trojans while minimizing the associated costs in power, area, and delay.

What are the potential limitations or vulnerabilities of RECORD that could be exploited by advanced attackers?

Despite its innovative approach to combating data-leakage hardware Trojans, RECORD has potential limitations and vulnerabilities that advanced attackers could exploit: Random Bit Exposure: If an attacker can gain access to the random bit (r) used in the RECORD framework, they may be able to reverse-engineer the randomized outputs. This could allow them to deduce the original data being processed, undermining the confidentiality that RECORD aims to protect. Insider Threats: The reliance on trusted foundries for the production of certain components introduces the risk of insider threats. If malicious actors within these trusted environments can manipulate the design or the random number generator, they could compromise the security of the entire system. Physical Attacks: Advanced attackers may employ physical attacks, such as side-channel attacks, to extract information from the hardware. If the randomization process does not adequately obscure the data being processed, attackers could potentially glean sensitive information through timing analysis or power consumption patterns. Complexity and Implementation Errors: The complexity introduced by the randomization and split manufacturing processes may lead to implementation errors. If the design is not meticulously verified, vulnerabilities could be inadvertently introduced, providing attackers with potential entry points. Limited Scope of Randomization: If the randomization is not applied uniformly across all critical paths, attackers may focus on the less randomized sections of the design, where data leakage could occur more easily. Dependence on Quilt Packaging: While Quilt Packaging enhances security, it also introduces dependencies on the physical integrity of the packaging. If the packaging is compromised, the security benefits of RECORD could be nullified. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, continuous monitoring, rigorous testing, and the integration of additional security measures, such as encryption and intrusion detection systems, are essential.

How can the principles of RECORD be applied to secure other hardware components beyond microelectronics, such as embedded systems or IoT devices?

The principles of RECORD can be effectively adapted to enhance the security of various hardware components beyond microelectronics, including embedded systems and IoT devices, through the following approaches: Randomized Encoding in Embedded Systems: Similar to RECORD's application in microelectronics, embedded systems can utilize randomized encoding techniques to obfuscate sensitive data. By integrating randomization into the data processing algorithms of embedded systems, the risk of data leakage can be significantly reduced. Secure Communication Protocols: The randomization principles can be applied to secure communication protocols used in IoT devices. By introducing randomness in the transmission of data packets, attackers would find it more challenging to intercept and interpret the data, thereby enhancing confidentiality. Adaptive Security Mechanisms: Implementing adaptive security mechanisms that adjust the level of randomization based on the operational context can be beneficial for IoT devices, which often operate in diverse environments. This adaptability can help maintain security without imposing excessive resource demands. Decentralized Randomization: In IoT networks, where devices may have limited computational resources, decentralized randomization techniques can be employed. Each device can generate its random values, ensuring that even if one device is compromised, the overall network security remains intact. Integration with Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs): The principles of RECORD can be integrated with TEEs in embedded systems and IoT devices. By ensuring that sensitive computations occur within a secure enclave, the randomization process can be further protected from external threats. Layered Security Approaches: Applying RECORD's principles as part of a layered security strategy can enhance the overall resilience of embedded systems and IoT devices. By combining randomized encoding with other security measures, such as encryption and access controls, a more robust defense can be established against potential attacks. Physical Security Measures: In addition to logical security, physical security measures can be implemented alongside RECORD principles. For instance, tamper-resistant packaging and secure boot processes can help protect the integrity of the randomization mechanisms. By leveraging the core concepts of RECORD, such as randomization and split manufacturing, the security of embedded systems and IoT devices can be significantly enhanced, providing a robust defense against data-leakage attacks and other vulnerabilities.
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