Hardware security is vulnerability protection that comes in the form of a physical device rather than software that is installed on the hardware of a computer system.
Hardware security can pertain to a device used to scan a system or monitor network traffic. Common examples include hardware firewalls and proxy servers. Less common examples include hardware security modules (HSM), which provision cryptographic keys for critical functions such as encryption, decryption and authentication for various systems.
Hardware systems can provide more robust security than software is capable of and can also add an additional layer of security for important systems.
Experts in this area report that to more accurately assess the security of a hardware device, it’s necessary to consider vulnerabilities existing from its manufacture as well as other potential sources such as running code and the device’s data I/O on a network.
Although any device should be protected if it connects even indirectly to the internet, the stringency of that protection should be in accordance with need. A system controlling the color and intensity of lights in Wi-Fi LED for a dwelling, for example, may not require much security.
In the case of more significant hardware and more critical function, the added reliability and lower number of vulnerabilities associated with hardware-based security may make it advisable.
Critical infrastructure includes systems, networks and assets whose continuous function is deemed necessary to ensure the security of a given nation, its economy, and the public’s health and/or safety.
Critical infrastructure security is a growing area of concern around the world.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Hardware Security Training, a 2-day course that introduces participants to a variety of cryptographic processor and processing overhead, side-channel attacks, physically unclonable functions, hardware-based true random number generator, watermarking of IPS, FPGA security, passive and active metering and hardware based secure program execution.
Additionally, Tonex offers nearly three dozen more courses in Cybersecurity Foundation. This includes cutting edge courses like:
—Cybersecurity Fundamentals (2 days)
—Electric Grid Cybersecurity Master Certification (4 weeks)
—Network Security Training (2 days)
—Software Security Training (2 days)
—ICS Cybersecurity Training (4 days)
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.