Why Implement Hardware Security?

Silicon-Based Security Is Superior to Software Solutions

What makes hardware security more secure? Confidential data or secrets are vulnerable to attack when stored in standard memories, disks, or other software repositories. Atmel® security ICs provide a number of sophisticated design features aimed at keeping key information and core secrets safe from hackers and thieves — on all types of processor-driven systems. This hardware-based security also offers protection at partner and subcontractor sites using secure personalization capabilities.

Defend Intangible Assets

The loss of valuable intellectual property (IP) or trade secrets can have a direct negative impact on any company's bottom line. The best defense against IP theft and misuse of intangible property is to block access to the information that constitutes the asset. Atmel CryptoAuthentication™ technology keeps the IP secure even when it’s in the hands of OEM manufacturers or subcontractors. Each chip is designed to permit secure personalization, so third parties can build devices containing an OEM secret without gaining access to that secret. The SHA-256 hash algorithm with a 256-bit key length prevents exhaustive attacks.

Harden the Targets

All parts of an organization’s security umbrella should be “hardened” or shielded from attack, including encryption keys, verification codes, and firmware. Atmel hardware-based security can accomplish that goal in a small space, simply and cost-effectively. There is virtually no way to download secret information that has been locked inside a chip. Atmel host companion ICs implement the host security algorithm in hardware and securely store and manage the host secrets, strengthening system-level security.

Protect Revenue Streams

Authentication chips prevent cloning by competitors. Onboard ICs can be used to identify legitimate removable components such as battery packs, ink cartridges, and filters that aren’t equipped with their own processors but contain a power source. Multiple physical security features prevent unauthorized disclosure of the secret key stored within the chip, which is automatically erased when power is removed.

Comply with Regulations

Security has been mandated in a number of industries such as healthcare, with rules that organizations must adhere to when they implement information systems. Security ICs can help organizations comply with these regulations, particularly with regard to portable and externally operated devices that are particularly difficult to secure.

Safeguard a Valuable Reputation

A good reputation in the marketplace can easily be put at risk by a security breach as simple as an unauthorized software download. In financial terms, damage to a firm's reputation can result in lost revenue or destruction of shareholder value. Building iron-clad security into a product or service helps safeguard the company’s good name, protecting both the company and the customer. It can also be part of a comprehensive risk management program that can help ensure the viability of the enterprise.

Keep Users Safe

Although zero-power Brown-Out Detectors (BOD) can save a lot of power, they are notoriously slow, provide odd detection levels and can require a millisecond to detect a below-threshold voltage. The slow response time could put the controller at risk. Atmel AVR BOD detects brown-out conditions in 2 microseconds but draws about 20 uA, adding substantially to the Power Down sleep current of 100 nA.

With picoPower technology, Atmel has maintained the high performance and relatively high current of the BOD and saved power by disabling the BOD when it is not needed. This approach results in the lowest overall power consumption and the highest possible performance with accurate detection at 1.8V, 2.7V and 4.5V.

Render RF Communications Private

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology enables data to be read and written into an RFID tag's nonvolatile memory through a radio-frequency signal. The reader emits an RF signal and data is exchanged wirelessly, when the tag comes in proximity to the reader signal. The Atmel CryptoRF® chips come with an embedded cryptographic engine and a dual authentication capability, resulting in product labels, tags, and cards that are virtually impossible to copy. These devices are especially useful in situations where counterfeiting is a threat, where ownership needs to be tracked, or where money is exchanged through a card transaction. The Atmel CryptoCompanion™ chip provides simple, plug-and-play authentication on the host end of the communication.

Reference Materials

Below is a selection of Atmel application notes and other documents for your reference.

	Designing with CryptoAuthentication - Client Devices (20 pages, revision A, updated 5/09)
	CryptoAuthentication - Product Uses (18 pages, revision B, updated 3/09)
	High Level Security Models (11 pages, revision A, updated 3/09)
	High Quality Battery Authentication with AT88SA100S/AT88SA10HS (10 pages, revision A, updated 7/09) This document provides readers with an overview of the Atmel AT88SA100S CryptoAuthentication IC. It describe how the AT88SA100S features will provide a solution to prevent counterfeiters from producing batteries that can cause damage to a manufacturers device, a manufacturers reputations, and/or reduce their potential revenue stream.
	Crypto Products Portfolio (Brochure, 8 pages, revision B, updated 9/10) An overview of all Crypto Product offerings including CryptoAuthentication, CryptoMemory, CryptoRF and CryptoController.