A simple view of the IoT stack originates from an endpoint (e.g. connected device) moves through communications (like bluetooth) and feeds into a business intelligence application. Any element along this stack carries IoT security risks. However, semiconductor are moving towards embedding security into their silicon chips used within connected devices.

As the article linked below states,

The market has now reached a point where most mature and respected semiconductor companies want to have a security play.

As security continues to increase concerns while the adoption rate of the IoT further builds, chip manufacturers are eyeing an opportunity to take security into their own hands. As the article further stated,

Thus, we have now reached the point where the industry is talking about secure silicon, a space where companies like Intrinsic-ID play a leading role. Silicon-rooted security will be used to anchor everything on top of it. As a result, you will be able to trust your silicon chip and move all way up to applications, as well as uniquely identify devices at the hardware level.

Embedding security into IoT chips isn’t void of potential risks and challenges. The article made an excellent point about how chips within connected devices could handle security. The article stated,

A critical element to successful IoT security chips will be public key infrastructure (PKI). All IoT devices with these chips will require a strong identity, which will then be used for secure authentication. Devices will need tohip manufacturers  prove who they are and not something else. They will even generate their own identity and store it safely, courtesy of PKI. In addition, it is conceivable that every device will have a certificate to prove its trustworthiness.

Security is a significant (and rightly so) concern for the wide spread adoption of the Internet of Things. How semiconductor businesses like Intel, AMD and others integrate security into their IoT chips makes this a market to watch closely over the next several years. With each component marker across the IoT stack looking into how to secure the Internet of Things it will either get really messy or create a major breakthrough for the industry.


Also published on Medium.


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