Sponsored Content
Zero Trust Architecture and IoT: how hardware can provide the foundation for network security
As IoT devices proliferate across consumer, industrial, and healthcare sectors, the risks to network security are growing. The traditional “trust but verify” security model is no longer adequate to meet the increasingly complex security demands. Enter Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). With its “never trust, always verify” philosophy, it offers a new level of security for the IoT ecosystem. However, to successfully implement Zero Trust within the IoT landscape, selecting and designing the right hardware is critical.
Security requirements of Zero Trust Architecture for IoT
The core principle of Zero Trust Architecture is strict verification of every access request, with continuous monitoring to ensure system security. For IoT devices, meeting Zero Trust requirements involves addressing the following key security needs: Identity authentication and access control: Each device must have a unique, trusted identity and strict access control.
Real-time dynamic verification: All data and actions must be dynamically verified to respond to potential threats.
Secure boot and firmware updates: Devices must ensure the integrity of the boot code and provide secure firmware update mechanisms.
These requirements not only require robust software design but also require strong hardware support to ensure true network security.
Hardware solutions for Zero Trust Architecture in IoT
Hardware support is essential to deploy Zero Trust in an IoT ecosystem successfully. Below are several hardware solutions that meet Zero Trust requirements: 1. Secure Elements (SE)
Secure Elements are specialised hardware modules designed to protect sensitive data and perform critical security functions. Features: Provides device authentication, data encryption, and anti-tampering capabilities to prevent physical or software-based attacks.
Low power consumption and easy integration, ideal for resource-constrained IoT devices.
Typical Products: NXP’s EdgeLock SE050
and Microchip’s ATECC608A, which support PKI-based authentication and withstand various physical and logical attacks.
34 April 2025
Use cases: Smart home devices, industrial sensors, and more.
2. MCUs/MPUs with integrated security features
Modern microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs) are increasingly incorporating security features to address the needs of complex IoT applications. Features: Offers secure boot, secure firmware updates, and data encryption support.
High performance to handle complex data processing and real-time validation. Typical products: STMicroelectronics’ STM32H5 series, which uses TrustZone technology for security isolation while supporting encryption acceleration and dynamic verification. Use cases: Edge computing devices, smart gateways, and more.
3. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Chips TPM chips provide strong hardware-rooted trust and are a vital component of Zero Trust Architecture. Features: Provides encryption key storage, hardware random number generation, and digital signature capabilities.
Components in Electronics
Defends against physical attacks to maintain device integrity and confidentiality. Typical products: Infineon’s OPTIGA TPM series supports end-to-end encryption needs for IoT devices. Use cases: Enterprise network devices, critical industrial infrastructure, and more.
Key factors in hardware selection To maximise the benefits hardware can provide in a Zero Trust Architecture, the following factors must be carefully considered: Compatibility: The hardware must support existing security protocols and IoT platforms such as MQTT, CoAP, etc.
Security level: Choose appropriate security features based on the device’s use case, such as anti-tampering capabilities or high-strength encryption support.
Power consumption and cost: Hardware should balance power efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly in resource-constrained devices.
Long-term support: Select hardware that offers continuous firmware updates and security patch support to ensure devices can meet future security challenges.
The core role of hardware in Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust Architecture demands security at every stage of the device lifecycle, and hardware serves as the cornerstone of this trust. Secure boot: Hardware verifies the integrity of the boot code to prevent malicious software attacks.
Dynamic verification: Real-time monitoring of device behaviour, with hardware modules adjusting permissions accordingly.
End-to-end encryption: Hardware accelerates encryption and key management to ensure data confidentiality and integrity during transmission.
Hardware not only enables the core functions of Zero Trust Architecture but also helps manufacturers gain a competitive edge in the market.
The future of Zero Trust Architecture: collaboration between hardware and software While hardware is the foundation of Zero Trust Architecture, true security requires seamless collaboration between hardware and software. Manufacturers should work closely with hardware vendors, cybersecurity experts, and development teams to ensure that the design, development, deployment, and subsequent firmware updates meet Zero Trust requirements.
By partnering with distributors like WIN SOURCE, who have extensive experience with thousands of customer design projects and a vast supply chain network, businesses can quickly access high-quality hardware solutions to meet the security needs of Zero Trust Architecture fully.
https://www.win-source.group/
www.cieonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
