Analog Devices, Inc.
TAMPER-RESISTANT COMPONENT NETWORKS

Abstract:

According to various aspects, systems and methods are provided for improving a computer system's resistance to tampering. A PUF may be one component of a system. Other components of the system may not have the same level of protection against tampering as the PUF. According to one aspect, tamper protection provided by the PUF may be extended to one or more other components of the system, thus creating a network of tamper-resistant components. The system may include a tamper detection circuit that receives signals from the component(s). The tamper detection circuit generates an output signal based on the received signals that indicates whether any of the components has been tampered with. The PUF may be configured to use the output signal to generate secret information. If the output signal indicates that one of the components has been tampered with, the PUF may prevent generation of the correct secret information.