Perspectives on Trust in Hardware Supply Chains

Explore the complex world of hardware supply chains through the lens of security and trust in this keynote presentation. Delve into the opaque global network of agents that comprise hardware supply chains, where each participant works to optimize their local gains often at the expense of overall security. Learn from real-world experiences navigating the shadowy aspects of hardware manufacturing and distribution, gaining insights into the practical differences between securing software versus hardware supply chains. Discover how hardware security challenges differ fundamentally from software security due to the physical nature of components, the involvement of multiple international parties, and the difficulty of verification at each stage of production. Understand the unique vulnerabilities that emerge when hardware passes through numerous hands across different countries and regulatory environments. Examine case studies and practical examples that illustrate common attack vectors and security compromises in hardware supply chains. Master a systematic classification framework for evaluating trust levels in hardware components and suppliers, enabling you to make informed decisions about hardware security in your own projects and organizations. Gain practical tools and methodologies for assessing the trustworthiness of hardware vendors, understanding the trade-offs between cost, functionality, and security, and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies based on your specific use case and threat model.