diff --git a/chapter-conclusion/chapter.tex b/chapter-conclusion/chapter.tex index 5abf318..7ac5b15 100644 --- a/chapter-conclusion/chapter.tex +++ b/chapter-conclusion/chapter.tex @@ -1,5 +1,4 @@ \chapter{Conclusion} -\newpage In this thesis, we propose Inertial Hardware Security Modules (IHSMs), a new approach to physical security that combines conventional tamper-sensing meshes with physical movement to bootstrap a highly secure system from low-security, @@ -15,8 +14,40 @@ parasitic capacitance. Our design provides better bandwidth and lower parasitic art without increasing implementation cost. We conclude this thesis with two chapters elaborating on two new use cases that are made possible by IHSM technology due to its ability to protect large payloads that have high power consumption. +\section{Outlook} + +With the research contributions we presented in this thesis, we open up a new field of hardware security research +centered on Inertial HSMs and improvements to conventional tamper sensing meshes. Below, we will list some research +directions that we consider worthwhile for future investigation. + +\begin{itemize} +\item Improving the resolution of the sampling mesh monitoring approach we presented in + Chapter~\ref{chapter_sampling_mesh_mon}. Possible improvements include increasing pulse risetime through a discrete + transistor amplifier circuit, as well as evaluating an FPGA as a replacement for the microcontroller to take + advantage of the improved delay primitives offered by many FPGA families. +\item Characterizing the PUF-like effects we observed in Chapter~\ref{chapter_sampling_mesh_mon} in mesh coupons using + our sampling mesh monitoring approach. +\item Integrating IHSM technology with a HSM firmware implementation into a small form factor to create a portable IHSM. + A small form factor introduces new challenges besides the mere integration of the necessary circuitry and placement + of the mesh. For instance, wireless power and data transfer would need to be integrated with the device without + disrupting mesh monitoring. An on-axis solution would likely require magnetic shielding materials and possible + non-magnetic ceramic bearings. Furthermore, integrating a sufficiently small motor and optimizing the design for + long bearing life is challenging at the high rotation speed necessary at a small overall diameter. Finally, at high + speeds, precisely balancing the whole assembly to avoid vibrations that could lead to early mechanical failure is + difficult. +\item Exploring IHSM applications beyond what we outlined in this thesis. For instance, one application of recent + interests would be physically securing GPUs used for AI training. The background for such work could be either + export control motivations, or a concern for security and privacy of user input, training data, or even trained + weights. +\end{itemize} + +We will to proceed with future research into IHSM applications. We have published our results up to this point as open +source hardware and software, and we intend to build on these publications. + +\section{Conclusion} + The research presented in this thesis is aimed at advancing both academic research and applied engineering in hardware -security. We believe that by publishing our research including its artifacts under open-source licenses, we provide the +security. We believe that by publishing our research including its artifacts under open source licenses, we provide the basis for future research in tamper-sensing technology, a field that remains under-served in today's academic landscape. Recent history has shown that state-level adversaries are a mounting threat to civil rights organizations, human rights @@ -25,4 +56,3 @@ rights, today human rights are under attack both from within and from the outsid Publishing IHSM technology as open source, we hope to provide one building block for new computing systems accessible to all that are resilient and secure in the face of growing adversity. -\todo{Go into future applications?}