Dynamic Security Countermeasures for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, especially secure elements and multi-chip systems, face challenges in protecting against various attacks such as semi-invasive and non-invasive attacks while maintaining performance, as existing security features can be resource-intensive and impact processing speed.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising an attack detection unit, a countermeasure unit, and a threat level determination unit that activates specific countermeasures based on detected threats, allowing for configurable security levels and dynamic adjustment of countermeasures to balance security and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security features are activated to protect against attacks, then security level is improved, but processing speed and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security management where the security level is adjusted in real-time based on detected threat conditions. The system transitions from static security activation to dynamic adaptation, activating countermeasures only when attacks are detected and deactivating them when threats subside, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high security and preserving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the security parameter (activation state of countermeasures) based on detected attack conditions. By modifying the security level parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high security state, the system achieves both improved security when needed and maintained performance during normal operation.
2Reliability
If multiple countermeasures are activated simultaneously, then security coverage is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security system into multiple independent countermeasures that can be activated individually based on the type and severity of detected attacks. Rather than activating all countermeasures simultaneously, the system selectively enables only those needed for the current threat, reducing resource consumption while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of countermeasures required to address the detected attack, rather than applying all available security measures. This selective activation optimizes resource usage while maintaining adequate security protection.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: an attack detection unit arranged to detect one or more attacks on the electronic device; a countermeasure unit arranged to apply countermeasures against the attacks detected by the attack detection unit; a threat level determination unit arranged to determine a threat level corresponding to the attacks detected by the attack detection unit; wherein the countermeasure unit is further arranged to activate one or more specific ones of said countermeasures in dependence on the threat level determined by the threat level determination unit. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of protecting an electronic device is conceived. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding computer program product is provided.