Security modules extend support for online security

The STSAFE Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) store system-authentication data such as cryptographic keys and software measurements in inaccessible and unalterable hardware, offering an industry-standardised way to protect PCs and servers, as well as other home and office equipment such as printers, copiers, home gateways, network routers, and switches. This protected storage prevents attackers from interfering with the device's integrity, stealing private data, or taking over the system to gain unauthorised access or privileges that would put the system, data, or its network at risk.

"Robust security is central to maintaining trust in the rapidly growing number of smart connected devices that support the way we live and work," said Marie-France Florentin, General Manager, Secure Microcontrollers Division, STMicroelectronics. "Our state-of-the-art security modules combine the latest trusted computing technology with value-added features that enable superior protection for end-users' privacy and safety."

The Trusted Computing Group's latest TPM 2.0 specification adds extra features over and above the earlier TPM 1.2, including cryptographic algorithms and support for user hierarchies. The first of ST's STSAFE-TPM devices, the ST33TPHF2ESPI, supports both specifications and can switch easily between the two, allowing OEMs to provide TPM 1.2 or TPM 2.0 capability on the latest device technology. The second device is the ST33TPHF20SPI, which supports TPM 2.0 and, according to the company, has the largest non-volatile memory in the market to provide up to 110Kbytes storage for sensitive data.

The STSAFE-TPM modules leverage ST's expertise with the secure ARM SecurCore SC300 processor, which has anti-tamper, data-watching, and memory-protection features. Both devices are Common Criteria (CC) and Trusted Computing Group (TCG) certified against the applicable TPM 1.2 and 2.0 protection profiles and US Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 certifications are in progress. The modules come with RSA and ECC Endorsement Keys (EKs) needed to support authentication and associated key certificates are provided, signed by the independent certification authority Globalsign Ltd to guarantee authenticity.

The ST33HTPH2ESPI and ST33HTPH20SPI are available in either a TSSOP28 or QFN32 package. Both devices are in production now. 

STSAFE is a family of authentication products offering turn-key solutions. All STSAFE products rely on highly secure MCUs that achieve top-level Common Criteria EAL5+ certification, as certified by independent labs. The STSAFE product family is aimed at offering well-tailored solutions to meet the increasing security challenges in Trusted Computing, Brand Protection, and the IoT.