Hardware Security Evaluation of MAX 10 FPGA

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the hardware security of Intel MAX 10 FPGAs, identifying vulnerabilities and suggesting countermeasures to enhance data protection and resist reverse engineering in IoT applications.

Contribution

It provides a preliminary security assessment of MAX 10 FPGA devices, highlighting vulnerabilities and proposing recommendations for improving hardware security.

Findings

Identified security strengths of MAX 10 FPGA

Revealed potential vulnerabilities to data extraction

Suggested countermeasures for security enhancement

Abstract

With the ubiquity of IoT devices there is a growing demand for confidentiality and integrity of data. Solutions based on reconfigurable logic (CPLD or FPGA) have certain advantages over ASIC and MCU/SoC alternatives. Programmable logic devices are ideal for both confidentiality and upgradability purposes. In this context the hardware security aspects of CPLD/FPGA devices are paramount. This paper shows preliminary evaluation of hardware security in Intel MAX 10 devices. These FPGAs are one of the most suitable candidates for applications demanding extensive features and high level of security. Their strong and week security aspects are revealed and some recommendations are suggested to counter possible security vulnerabilities in real designs. This is a feasibility study paper. Its purpose is to highlight the most vulnerable areas to attacks aimed at data extraction and reverse engineering. That way further investigations could be performed on specific areas of concern.