3 ms·
Yup, and in the embedded world, they are used to achieve encryption of the OS firmware, thus preventing reverse engineering of the device, protecting IP and sec
by smashed 3y ago
Yup, and in the embedded world, they are used to achieve encryption of the OS firmware, thus preventing reverse engineering of the device, protecting IP and securing devices through obscurity.
I'm thinking of enterprise grade networking hardware for example. Their main OS ROM is encrypted and they will refuse to decrypt if the boot process is altered.
There are no real secrets or user data being protected by the encryption. Heck, actual passwords and user configurations can be stored in clear.
- vetinari 3y agoIt is not for protecting user secrets. It has nothing to do with users. It is about protecting against "after hours" production runs. If you, as a vendor, order manufacturing 1000 pieces of widgets, you want to be sure that only those delivered to you are really produced. You don't want more, and then your own product competing against you on the market. Hence, encryption. Only your devices can run your firmware. All those extras cannot.
- salawat 3y agoSolution: Make your own fab? Enjoy all the benefits of keeping stuff to yourself I guess. Bonus: potentially lowers the barrier to entry to electronics fabrication as more engineer hours are spent getting the fabrication equipment/processes better documented/more accessible. No one wants that though. That'd make too much sense.