Microchip announces the ATECC608A CryptoAuthentication™ device, a secure device that allows developers to add hardware-based security to their designs, as well as the Security Design Partner Programme to connect developers with third-party vendors who can improve and streamline secure designs.The combination of proven hardware security solutions and an unprecedented level of collaboration helps protect against security threats ranging from remote cyberattacks to the creation of counterfeit products. These threats are pervasive, affecting all sectors, and can result in substantial losses in recovery costs, service revenue, and, perhaps most significantly, brand value. Implementing robust security in new and existing designs to protect intellectual property and enable reliable authentication of connected devices is critical.
The foundation of secure communication is the ability to create, protect, and authenticate a device's unique and trusted identity. The ATECC608A, which incorporates system isolation of a device's private keys in a secure area and the most advanced cryptography on the market, provides a high level of security that can be used in virtually any design. Here are some of the key features of the ATECC608A:
• Best-in-class key generation: The FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) compliant random number generator generates unique keys that meet the latest NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) requirements, facilitating FIPS certification of the entire system.
• Boot validation capability for small systems: New instructions simplify signature validation and handle calculations for the main microcontroller firmware in systems with small microcontrollers such as ARM® Cortex®-M0+, as well as for more robust embedded systems.
• Reliable authentication for LoRa nodes: The AES-128 engine also enables security enhancements for LoRa infrastructures by authenticating trusted nodes within a network.
• Fast cryptography processing: Elliptical Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithms generate smaller keys and establish a certified and trusted root faster and more securely than other implementation techniques based on older methods.
• Tamper protection: Anti-tampering techniques protect keys against physical attacks and intrusion attempts after installation. These techniques ensure the system maintains a secure and reliable identity.
• Reliable manufacturing supply: Companies can use Microchip's secure manufacturing solutions to obtain their keys and certificates securely, eliminating the risk of exposure during manufacturing.
In addition to providing hardware security solutions, customers can access Microchip's Security Design Partner Program. These top-tier companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform, provide complementary cloud security models and infrastructure.
Other partners specialize in implementing Microchip's security devices and libraries. Whether designers are trying to secure their Internet of Things applications or add authentication capabilities to consumables like cartridges or accessories, Security Design Partners can reduce both development costs and time to market.
For rapid prototyping of secure solutions, designers can use the new CryptoAuth Xplained Pro evaluation and development kit along with the ATCryptoAuth-XPRO-B card, which costs $10 and is compatible with any Microchip Xplained or XplainedPro evaluation card.
