What you need to know about firmware security in chips

The rapid advancement of semiconductor technologies has transformed industries across the globe, from data centers to consumer devices, and even critical infrastructure. With the ever-growing reliance on interconnected devices, robust security systems are paramount. Among the unsung heroes in ensuring this security are the firmware systems that power these devices, particularly security firmware embedded within semiconductor components.

Secure firmware, especially in devices like self-encrypting drives (SEDs), is crucial in safeguarding sensitive data. As data breaches and cyberattacks become more sophisticated, ensuring that the foundation of technology—semiconductors—remains secure is critical. The secure firmware embedded in these systems enables the encryption and decryption of data in real time, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected without compromising performance.

Figure 1 SEDs provide hardware-based encryption for robust data protection. Source: Micron

While often invisible to the end user, this technology has a far-reaching impact. It secures everything from financial transactions to personal health data, laying the groundwork for secure, scalable, and efficient systems that are vital for industries in both the public and private sectors. In this context, the evolution of secure firmware can be seen as an essential pillar of digital safety, contributing to national and global security priorities.

Role of security protocols and standards

In the world of secure firmware, several protocols and standards ensure that systems remain resilient against evolving threats. These include advanced cryptographic algorithms, trusted platform modules (TPMs), and the implementation of standards set by organizations like National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Trusted Computing Group (TCG). These technical frameworks serve to safeguard sensitive data and build trusted systems from the hardware level up.

1. Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM)

SPDM is a protocol developed by the Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) to provide a standardized framework for secure communication between devices, especially in scenarios involving trusted hardware such as TPMs and secure boot mechanisms.

Figure 2 The security standard enables system hardware components such as PCIe cards to have their identity authenticated and their integrity verified. Source: OCP Security

It ensures secure data exchange by supporting authentication, integrity checks, and confidentiality for devices in a distributed environment. By embedding SPDM into security firmware, semiconductor systems can ensure end-to-end security from device initialization to secure communication with other networked devices.

2. NIST Cybersecurity Framework

NIST provides a comprehensive set of standards and guidelines that address the security requirements for information systems in various industries. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, along with specific guidelines like NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171, defines best practices for managing cybersecurity risks and ensuring system integrity.

Figure 3 The cybersecurity framework provides a structured approach to cybersecurity risk management, incorporating best practices and guidance. Source: NIST

These standards heavily influence the design and implementation of secure firmware within semiconductor systems, helping organizations meet regulatory compliance and industry standards. With strong encryption, secure boot processes, and robust key management, firmware embedded in semiconductor chips must comply with NIST standards to ensure that systems are protected against evolving threats.

3. Trusted Computing Group (TCG)

TCG defines industry standards for hardware-based security technologies, including TPMs, which are widely used in semiconductor systems for secure authentication and encryption. TCG’s specifications, such as the TPM 2.0 standard, enable the creation of a hardware-based root of trust within a device.

This ensures that even if the operating system is compromised, the underlying hardware remains secure. The integration of TCG standards into firmware helps strengthen the security posture of semiconductor devices, making them resilient to physical and remote attacks.

Impact of firmware security on different Industries

Secure firmware embedded in semiconductors is crucial in advancing various sectors, ensuring the protection of data and systems at a foundational level. Here’s how it’s benefiting key segments:

1. Financial sector

Secure firmware is essential in safeguarding financial transactions and sensitive data, particularly in banks, payment systems, and online platforms. Self-encrypting drives and hardware-based encryption ensure that financial data remains encrypted, even when stored on physical drives.

Implementing security protocols such as Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and public-key cryptography standards ensures that financial data is protected against cyber threats, reducing the risk of data breaches and fraud.

2. Healthcare

The healthcare sector is increasingly relying on digital technologies to manage patient data. Secure firmware is critical in ensuring that health information remains protected across devices, from medical records to diagnostic machines.

By using encrypted semiconductor solutions and ensuring compliance with standards like Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patient data is safeguarded from unauthorized access. The integration of secure boot processes and data encryption protocols, such as AES-256 and RSA, prevents data leakage and ensures that sensitive health records remain confidential.

3. Government and national security

Government agencies rely heavily on secure hardware solutions to protect sensitive national data. Secure firmware within semiconductor devices used by government systems ensures that classified information, defense data, and communications remain secure.

Through the implementation of NIST-approved cryptographic algorithms and TCG’s trusted hardware standards, government systems can resist both local and remote threats. This security infrastructure supports national defense capabilities, from intelligence gathering to military operations, indirectly enhancing national security.

4. Critical infrastructure

The protection of critical infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation systems, and communications networks, is paramount for the functioning of society. Secure firmware in semiconductors enables these systems to operate securely, preventing cyberattacks that could compromise national safety.

Protocols such as SPDM help ensure that all components of critical infrastructure can communicate securely, while hardware-backed encryption ensures that even if systems are breached, data integrity is maintained.

5. Manufacturing and industrial control systems

In manufacturing environments, industrial control systems that manage production lines, robotics, and automated systems need to be protected from cyber threats. Secure firmware embedded in the semiconductor chips that control these systems helps prevent cyberattacks targeting production processes, which could lead to significant financial losses or safety issues.

For instance, the use of TCG’s TPM technology enables secure authentication and encryption of communication between devices, ensuring that industrial systems remain operational and tamper-free.

6. Defense and aerospace

In the defense and aerospace sectors, secure firmware is indispensable for the integrity of both commercial and military technologies. From satellites to weapon systems, semiconductor-based firmware security ensures the protection of classified military data and technologies from cyber espionage and attacks.

With the growing adoption of TPMs and other hardware-based security solutions, defense technologies become more resilient to attacks, ensuring the protection of national interests.

Implications for national and global security

As industries become more digitally interconnected, the need for secure hardware has never been more pressing. Secure firmware plays an essential role in protecting data at the hardware level, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity of information even in the event of physical tampering. This level of protection is vital not only for corporations but also for government institutions and critical sectors that rely on unbreachable security measures.

The ongoing development and refinement of firmware security in semiconductors align with broader global priorities surrounding cybersecurity. Through cutting-edge technologies like self-encrypting drives, secure firmware helps mitigate the risks associated with cyberattacks, such as data theft or system compromise, providing a layer of defense that supports global digital infrastructure.

The semiconductor industry is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of speed, efficiency, and security. As part of this progress, companies in the semiconductor industry are investing heavily in the development of advanced security measures embedded in their hardware solutions. This innovation is not only crucial for the companies themselves but has far-reaching implications for industries that rely on secure technology, from finance to healthcare, education, and government.

This innovation is not only beneficial for the industries adopting these technologies but also plays a significant role in driving broader policy and technological advancements. As organizations continue to develop and deploy secure semiconductor systems, they contribute to a more resilient and trustworthy digital ecosystem, indirectly bolstering national interests and global technological leadership.

The ongoing development of firmware security in semiconductor systems represents a critical effort in the fight against cyber threats and data breaches. While often unnoticed, the impact of these technologies is profound, helping to secure the digital infrastructure that underpins modern society.

As the semiconductor industry continues to innovate in this space, it contributes to the ongoing enhancement of security standards, indirectly supporting global technological leadership and contributing to a more secure digital world.

Karan Puniani is a staff test engineer at Micron Technology.

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