Bitwise supports a diverse range of use cases, empowering engineers to optimize their FPGA operations and achieve their objectives with cutting-edge technology.
Challenges & Threats
Solutions Using Bitwise
Expertise Required for Security
Implementing security measures against known threats demands proficiency with vendor-specific software, posing a challenge for embedded systems engineers.
Streamlined Security Evaluation
Engineers can swiftly review and confirm FPGA security settings, ensuring configurations align with best practices.
Rapid Evolution of Vendor Tools
Staying abreast of updates in vendor tools is a significant challenge for engineers, impacting the security of weapon, avionic, and SCADA systems.
Bitstream Modification Flexibility
Vulnerable bitstreams can be modified by engineers to comply with security requirements, enhancing device safety.
Legacy System Vulnerabilities
Systems with outdated FPGAs are at risk of exploitation due to their legacy nature.
Independent Configuration Capability
Engineers can extract and secure bitstreams directly from FPGAs, bypassing the need for original design files or vendor software.
Supply Chain and Insider Threats
FPGA designs are susceptible to tampering through supply chain attacks or malicious insiders, especially if the design's bitstream lacks secure, custom encryption keys.
Custom Key Encryption
Encrypting bitstreams with unique keys safeguards against unauthorized access, ensuring secure delivery to intended recipients.
Vendor Tool Security Flaws
Compromises in vendor design tools can leave bitstreams vulnerable, undermining the integrity of the device's firmware.
Vendor Tool Independence
Third-party tools allow engineers to validate FPGA designs without relying on potentially compromised vendor software, offering an added layer of security by checking header information for correct settings.
Bitstream Verification Difficulties
Assessing the security of a final bitstream to ensure correct configuration by vendor tools lacks straightforward, automated solutions, increasing the risk of inserted fabric trojans.
Bitstream Size Reduction
Bitwise optimizes bitstream size, facilitating the use of designs in devices with limited memory, thus addressing space constraints effectively.
