Quantum-resistant security talk by SecureRF CEO

Parks will speak about challenges and options for securing and future-proofing low-resource processors used in defence and aerospace systems.

Securing the low resource devices that are the foundation of defense and aerospace systems is a challenge. The inherent limitation of 8-bit and 16-bit processors, which dominate this sector’s landscape, provide few if any options for authentication and data integrity. They lack the computing and memory resources needed to implement today’s standard security methods, which means too many systems rely on insecure devices that are vulnerable to attack. Parks will present SecureRF’s fast authentication and data protection solutions - which include the Walnut Digital Signature Algorithm (WalnutDSA) and Ironwood Key Agreement Protocol - for the low-resource processors deployed throughout the IoT. More than fast, SecureRF's authentication solutions are ultra low power, which enables engineers to extend the life of a battery-powered device in the field.

“Low resource processors power the sensors, actuators, and other command and control solutions in both commercial and defense sectors, but they are very hard to secure. The task is made even more difficult with the need to future-proof these systems. We have been working on this issue for years, and I will be providing both examples and solutions in my talk at the General Dynamics Conference,” Parks said.

SecureRF’s security tools are based on Group Theoretic Cryptography methods, which are faster and more energy efficient than other solutions on the market, such as ECC. SecureRF methods are future-proof, providing critical protection against all known quantum attacks. As recently announced by the NSA, quantum resistance is a critical requirement when delivering secure sensors and actuators that have product lifespans beyond ten years, at which time quantum computers may be capable of breaking methods such as ECC and RSA. 

In the presentation, Parks will provide examples of SecureRF solutions on wireless sensors, NFC, and Bluetooth devices, as well as on embedded platforms including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and ASICs addressing government and commercial applications. SecureRF’s solutions will also be demonstrated during the 'Technology Showcase' portion of the event.