STMicroelectronics STSAFE Trusted Platform Modules

STMicroelectronics, an active member of the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), has introduced two security modules that provide an industry-validated shield to protect computers and smart connected devices against cyber attacks.

The STSAFE Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) store system-authentication data such as cryptographic keys and software measurements in inaccessible and unalterable hardware, offering an industry-standardised way to protect PCs and servers, as well as other home and office equipment such as printers, copiers, home gateways, network routers and switches. This protected storage prevents attackers from interfering with the device’s integrity, stealing private data or taking over the system to gain unauthorised access or privileges that would put the system, data or its network at risk.

The TCG’s latest TPM 2.0 specification adds extra features over and above the earlier TPM 1.2, including cryptographic algorithms and support for user hierarchies. The first of the devices, the ST33TPHF2ESPI, supports both specifications and can switch easily between the two, allowing OEMs to provide TPM 1.2 or TPM 2.0 capability on the latest device technology. The second device is the ST33TPHF20SPI, which supports TPM 2.0 and can provide up to 110 KB storage for sensitive data.

The STSAFE-TPM modules leverage ST’s expertise with the secure ARM SecurCore SC300 processor, which has anti-tamper, data-watching and memory-protection features. Both devices are Common Criteria (CC) and TCG certified against the applicable TPM 1.2 and 2.0 protection profiles. The modules come with RSA and ECC Endorsement Keys (EKs) needed to support authentication and associated key certificates are provided.