ELECTRONIC SENSORS Guarding against security attacks
with anti-tamper sensor solutions By Chris Morrison, VP Product Marketing, Agile Analog
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n order to guard against evolving security attacks, such as clock, voltage, electromagnetic fault injection (EMFI) and temperature related attacks, there has been a surge in demand for anti-tamper sensor solutions. Clock attack monitors, voltage glitch detectors, electromagnetic sensors and temperature sensors have been proven SoCs and secure elements.
Clock attack monitors in action Clock attacks are the most common attack route and occur if the clock signal that controls the timing of operations in a microprocessor is manipulated. By physically adjusting the incoming clock’s frequency or timing to trigger glitches or setup and hold violations, a hacker can make a device vulnerable to attack. Clock attack monitors track the frequency and timing of the clock signal. Any unforeseen delays, changes in frequency or inconsistency in the clock signals, might be an indication of a potential attack. If changes in the clock signal are spotted, a clock attack monitor responds rapidly and instigates countermeasures, such as sending an alert, initiating safe mode or preparing for a reset.
Voltage glitch detectors in action Voltage glitching attacks are when a hacker tampers with the incoming power supply of a device to disrupt the system’s security or normal operations. If there is a well-timed voltage glitch then security measures can be bypassed. Attackers may generate voltage drops or spikes to induce errors that enable them to interrupt encryption algorithms. This can make a device vulnerable to side-channel attacks. As a voltage glitch detector constantly monitors the power supply, if a sudden change in voltage is seen this will activate an alarm, radically reducing a hacker’s success rate. The system could even be closed down to avoid data loss or damage.
Electromagnetic sensors in action Electromagnetic fault injection (EMFI) is an increasingly popular attack route for hackers where physical access to individual signals is not required. Electromagnetic sensors can detect even slight changes in external
with a device using an electromagnetic pulse the sensor discovers this and raises an alert, providing real-time detection which is vital for dealing quickly with these security attacks.
Temperature sensors in action With temperature related attacks it is possible to generate timing and supply errors without having physical access to the critical clock and supply lines. These attacks involve the device being quickly heated, cooled or taken out of its normal operating state. This can cause faults that enable the device’s system to be unpredicted temperature changes. High temperatures or sudden temperature variations, either heating or cooling, could be a warning of tampering. These sensors can offer protection from potential tampering by setting off an alarm or moving to safe mode.
Advances in anti-tamper sensor solutions
With the recent rise in the complexity of security attacks and more stringent security requirements coming with the implementation of the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) in 2027, companies are even more focused on addressing the vulnerabilities within their hardware. The severe consequences of security attacks such as
data manipulation, operations disruption, physical damage and system failure have been well publicised. This has encouraged innovation and product developments in the anti-tamper security space. Agile Analog’s agileSecure portfolio of customisable and process agnostic analog anti-tamper IP is designed to protect SoCs and to deliver robust hardware-level security for devices operating in sensitive applications on advanced process nodes. The tamper detection IP includes anti- tamper sensor solutions such as a clock attack monitor, voltage glitch detector, electromagnetic sensor and temperature sensor. This provides enhanced protection over existing digital solutions for secure enclaves and Root of Trust (RoT) systems. The tamper prevention IP includes an internally biased LDO, bandgap reference and oscillator, as well as Power-on-reset and Power-ok monitors to further secure crucial circuitry from external attack. As security threats continue to escalate, anti-tamper sensor solutions are being seen as increasingly important for maintaining critical infrastructure, securing data and ensuring system operations. Combining multiple monitors and sensors can offer comprehensive protection against a range of attack routes and deliver the higher levels of security needed for today’s connected devices and IT systems.
NOVEMBER 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 13
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