Partnership brings security to the smallest IoT devices

Edge devices, or small ‘things’, including resource-constrained processors and wireless sensor nodes, are continually being added to the billions of devices that make up the IoT. However, these low-resource devices bring inherent limitations that make securing them a challenge; they require secure authentication and data protection, but may not always possess the computing and memory resources to incorporate contemporary security solutions with acceptable runtimes and resource allocation. SecureRF products address this challenge with authentication and data protection solutions that are designed to meet the requirements for the compact operating footprint of millions of ultra-low-energy edge devices, as well as helping to extend the useful working life of battery-powered IoT processors.

Specifically, SecureRF’s Walnut Digital Signature Algorithm (WalnutDSA) is an ultra-fast signature verification solution that uses the company’s breakthrough Group Theoretic Cryptography algorithm - what it claims to be the world’s first linear-in-time method. WalnutDSA is significantly more efficient than current solutions such as the Elliptic Curve Cryptography’s (ECC) Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). A second key technology from SecureRF is its Ironwood Key Agreement Protocol (Ironwood KAP), a Diffie-Hellman-like authentication protocol. Optimised for both cost and power, Ironwood delivers at least 30 times more efficient performance than ECC and gives IoT developers a tool that is quantum-resistant to all known attacks.

“Our security solutions for low-resource processors are highly efficient and meet the requirements of the smallest 8- and 16-bit things in the IoT universe,” said Louis Parks, President and CEO of SecureRF. “Teaming up with platform providers and leading semiconductor vendors such as STMicroelectronics, which offers world-class low-power ARM Cortex processor solutions like the STM32 family of MCUs, helps us deliver future-proof cryptography solutions that are the fastest, smallest, and most energy-efficient in the world.”

“The new ST Partner Program helps customers’ design teams access extra skills and resources including security tools and solutions to aid engineering development and shorten time-to-market for new products,” said Alessandro Maloberti, Partner Ecosystem Director, STMicroelectronics. “By selecting, qualifying and certifying our program partners, we are taking yet another major step in helping customers accelerate design and development, and ship to market the most secure, robust, and efficient products and services.”

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, created the ST Partner Program to speed customer development efforts by identifying and highlighting to them companies with complementary products and services. Moreover, the programme’s certification process assures that all partners are periodically vetted for quality and competence.