Hardware Security

Which is NOT a countermeasure against hardware Trojans?

  1. ADeleting the Trojan circuitry with a software update after shipping
  2. BObtaining design data and IP only from trusted sources and strictly controlling changes
  3. CComparing characteristics such as power and delay against known-good chips
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Answer: A. Deleting the Trojan circuitry with a software update after shipping

A hardware Trojan is built into the circuitry, so it cannot be removed after shipping. Countermeasures combine choosing trusted design tools, IP and foundries, logging and verifying changes to design data, deprocessing sample chips to compare with the design, comparing power and delay against known-good chips, and manufacturing critical portions in separate fabs.

  • A. Correct. Circuits cannot be deleted by software.
  • B. This is an effective countermeasure.
  • C. This is an effective countermeasure.
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More Hardware Security questions

  1. What is the danger of counterfeit chips (such as remarked parts) in the semiconductor supply chain?
  2. Why are debug ports such as JTAG disabled or placed behind authentication in shipped products?
  3. Which describes the tamper resistance required of security chips such as smart cards?
  4. Which method is commonly used to store keys written into a chip?
  5. Besides speed, what advantage comes from giving CPUs dedicated AES instructions (such as AES-NI)?