Table of contents

  • This session has been presented January 24, 2025 (10:00 - 11:00).

Description

  • Speaker

    Alessandro PALUMBO - CentraleSupélec, IRISA, Inria

Hardware Trojan Horses that are software-exploitable can be inserted into microprocessors, allowing attackers to run unauthorized code or escalate privileges. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that attackers could observe certain microprocessor features - seemingly unrelated to the program's execution - to exfiltrate secrets or private data. So, even devices produced in secure foundries could be vulnerable to such attacks. A promising defense strategy involves implementing Hardware Security Modules that monitor the runtime behavior of microprocessors to detect ongoing attacks. But why do we need Hardware Security Modules? Are software-based solutions not sufficient? Hardware Security Modules are essential because if attackers manage to execute malicious code, they could bypass or disable software defenses, leading to privilege escalation and other serious consequences. In contrast, hardware-based countermeasures raise the bar significantly, as modifying fabricated chips is far more difficult than compromising software, making Hardware Security Module implementations a more robust and resilient defense mechanism.

Practical infos

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