The role of cryptographic secure elements in cybersecurity

In the digital age, data security is a top priority. With the growing number of connected devices and the continuous evolution of cyber threats, protecting sensitive information has become as crucial as ever.

In this context, cryptographic secure elements play a crucial role. What exactly are they and how do they contribute to the security of our devices and data?

What is a cryptographic secure element?

A cryptographic secure element is a hardware component specifically designed to protect sensitive information and implement cryptographic operations.

It can be found in a wide range of devices and objects, including smartphones, credit cards, IoT devices, electronic passports, and more.

Its main function is to ensure that sensitive data remains secure, even in the presence of advanced threats.

The main functions of cryptographic secure elements

As mentioned, cryptographic secure elements can perform a great multitude of functions dedicated to security. The following are some of them.

Cryptographic key protection

One of the most important tasks of a secure element is the secure storage of cryptographic keys. These keys are critical to many security operations, such as encryption and digital signatures. A secure element ensures that the keys cannot be extracted or compromised, keeping them safe even if the main device is attacked.

Performing cryptographic operations

A secure element is designed to perform cryptographic operations as securely as possible. These operations include encryption, decryption, digital signature generation, and signature verification. By performing these operations within the secure element, cryptographic keys are never exposed outside the secured component, minimizing the risk of compromise.

Authentication

Secure elements manage authentication processes, ensuring that only authorized users or devices can access certain resources or information. This is especially important for applications such as mobile payments and secure access to personal data.

Secure storage and archiving

In addition to cryptographic keys, secure elements can safely store other sensitive information, such as biometric data, personal information, and digital certificates. This helps keep a wide range of critical data safe.

Isolation

By providing an isolated environment to perform cryptographic operations, secure elements protect these operations from attack or compromise of the main system. This isolation is critical to maintaining security even if the main device is compromised.

Integrity

Secure elements can ensure the integrity of data and software by verifying that they have not been altered or tampered with. This function is essential for maintaining trust in digital systems and ensuring that information is not altered without authorization.

The Importance of cryptographic secure elements in everyday life

The use of secure elements significantly increases the security of systems and reduces the risk of attacks.

For example, in mobile payments, secure elements protect transaction data and credit card information, making it much more difficult for hackers to steal this information.

In IoT devices, on the other hand, secure elements ensure that the data collected and transmitted are protected from unauthorized access.

The applications of secure elements therefore are many, and depending on the field of interest they can change format and purpose.

Secure Microchip: the cryptographic secure element from Telsy

The Secure Microchip is a programmable and secure-by-design micro-platform, a cryptographic secure element that enables the implementation of multiple security solutions underlying technology applications and services.

From a technical point of view, the Secure Microchip ensures the logical and physical security of cryptographic operations underlying the security architectures of any computer system dealing with sensitive information.

It is suitable for the raising of security measures derived from the cryptographic domain, in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and authentication, both in the cyber and physical security domains.

Secure Microchip can be integrated into different form-factors depending on the purpose of use, such as Bluetooth cryptographic token, SIM, USB authentication token, secure storage/secure boot, smart card, secure server boot, and can be used in the cloud, IoT, smart city, mobile security, military equipment and more.

Applications of Secure Microchip

Telsy’s Secure Microchip is designed for maximum flexibility and applicability to numerous security-related areas and purposes.

In addition to the classic applications already mentioned, Secure Microchip expands the possibilities of traditional secure elements with several other functions.

The following are some of them.

Cryptographic token

Designed for mobile applications and integrated into the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) token in a removable microSD format, the cryptographic token allows the Secure Microchip to be associated with TelsyInTouch, the proprietary solution created to offer companies and government entities a robust and secure tool to carry out sensitive communications in any kind operating environment.

Trust Processor Module

A hardware guarantee for the authenticity of cloud services as a secure boot (Trust Processor Module) of server applications on IT infrastructures in Secure & Trusted Private Cloud logic.

Learn more about Secure Microchip and other Telsy Crypto solutions.

For further information secure-microchip@telsy.it