Infineon Launches World’s First TPM with a PQC-Protected Firmware Update Mechanism
February 17, 2022
News
Quantum computing is expected to have a significant impact on cybersecurity, specifically on the confidentiality of encrypted data and on the integrity of digital signatures.
To address these challenges, Infineon Technologies AG announced the new OPTIGA TPM (Trusted Platform Module) SLB 9672, a future-proof security solution with a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) protected firmware update mechanism using XMSS signatures.
This mechanism is designed to counteract the threat of firmware corruption by attackers with access to quantum computers and increase long term survivability of the device by enabling a quantum-resistant firmware upgrade path. The standardized, out-of-the-box TPM provides a foundation for securely establishing the identity and software status of PCs, servers, and connected devices, and for protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data at rest and in transit.
Per the company, Infineon’s latest addition of the OPTIGA TPM family is the industry’s first TPM to offer a firmware update mechanism with a 256-bits key length, along with an additional check based on PQC. With this update mechanism, the OPTIGA TPM SLB 9672 can still be updated if the standard algorithms are no longer trusted. Its design is engineered for improved computing performance with fail-safe features that counteract the effects of corrupted firmware. For instance, built-in fail-safe features enable TPM firmware recovery in accordance with the NIST SP 800-193 Platform Firmware Resiliency Guidelines.
This TPM also provides an expanded non-volatile memory to store new features such as additional certificates and cryptographic keys. Security evaluation and certification are performed by independent bodies according to the Common Criteria and FIPS requirements. The new TPM also fully complies with the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) requirements (TPM 2.0 standard version 1.59) and is certified according to the latest TPM 2.0 standard.
Featuring a standardized trust base, as well as various tools to support design activities (software/demo boards), this TPM enables integration with host software. It also supports the latest versions of Windows and Linux. Furthermore, the chip boasts an extended temperature range of -40°C to 105°C. Infineon is committed to the long-term availability of OPTIGA TPM SLB 9672 for a minimum of ten years and offers tailored support and maintenance through the Infineon Security Partner Network (ISPN). With this long-term commitment, customers can rely on the TPM’s continued availability and Infineon’s support.
The OPTIGA TPM SLB 9672 can be ordered now.
For more information, visit: www.infineon.com/OPTIGA-TPM-SLB9672 and www.infineon.com/OPTIGA-TPM-SLB9672-kit.
Tiera Oliver is the assistant managing editor at Embedded Computing Design. She is responsible for web content editing, product news, and story development. She also manages, edits, and develops content for ECD podcasts, including Embedded Insiders.
She utilizes her expertise in journalism and content management to oversee editorial content, coordinate with editors, and ensure high-quality output across web, print, and multimedia platforms. She manages diverse projects, assists in the production of digital magazines, and hosts company podcasts by conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders to deliver engaging and insightful discussions.
Tiera attended Northern Arizona University, where she received her bachelor's in journalism and political science. She was also a news reporter for the student-led newspaper, The Lumberjack.
