A framework for security on NoC technologies

Abstract

Multiple heterogeneous processor cores, memory cores and application specific IP cores integrated in a communication network, also known as networks on chips (NoCs), will handle a large number of applications including security. Although NoCs offer more resistance to bus probing attacks, power/EM attacks and network snooping attacks are relevant. For the first time, a framework for security on NoC at both the network level (or transport layer) and at the core level (or application layer) is proposed. At the network level, each IP core has a security wrapper and a key-keeper core is included in the NoC, protecting encrypted private and public keys. Using this framework, unencrypted keys are prevented from leaving the cores and NoC. This is crucial to prevent untrusted software on or off the NoC from gaining access to keys. At the core level (application layer) the security framework is illustrated with software modification for resistance against power attacks with extremely low overheads in energy. With the emergence of secure IP cores in the market and nanometer technologies, a security framework for designing NoCs is crucial for supporting future wireless Internet enabled devices.