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How to integrate secure elements

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How to integrate secure elements
FOSDEM 2020

In this half hour we study aspects of physically and cryptographically secure hardware (often termed secure element or SE) and the integration into existing circuits. We illustrate utility of such integration by inspecting a cryptocurrency wallet design, and explain the difficulty presented by nondisclosure agreements (NDA) common to industry closed adversaries. We examine several hardware devices, study their parts under a close range circuit camera, and suggest instructions on their use.

Building secure applications involves research of new technology while leveraging well known practices, for example when using ECDSA to secure systems with low power devices.

In this half hour lecture, we study an in depth example of using cryptoaccelerated hardware to research such secure applications.

We review common cryptography practices.

  • Applied security paradigms
  • Asymetric public key exchange
  • Encryption and signing algorithms
  • Challenges of low power computing
  • Noncomputational security features ...for example mechanical UI constructs

We proposes new hardware supported techniques.

  • Open FPGA platforms
  • NDA unencumbered SE
  • Circumventing black boxes
  • Benchmark measurements
  • Hardened serial interfaces

We end by viewing a number of real device hardware circuits under a close range microscope, and possibly offer a device petting zoo to encourage exploration of hardware.

Speakers: Michael Schloh von Bennewitz