Beyond the Label: The Truth About Hardware Trust - BTS #66

In this episode of Below the Surface, host Paul Asadoorian is joined by co-hosts Larry Pesci, Joshua Marpet, and Vlad Babkin to delve into the complexities of hardware supply chain security. The discussion is sparked by a presentation from Andrew 'Bunny' Wong at Black Hat Asia, which raised critical questions about how we can trust the silicon in our devices. The conversation explores the challenges of validating hardware components, the potential for backdoors in devices, and the implications of counterfeit components in the supply chain. The hosts share anecdotes and insights about their experiences with hardware security, emphasizing the need for independent testing and the importance of understanding the provenance of hardware components.

00:00 Introduction to Hardware Supply Chain Security

02:53 Understanding Trust in Silicon

05:55 Challenges in Validating Hardware Components

09:01 Historical Context of Hardware Tampering

11:58 The Complexity of Supply Chains

14:55 Operationalizing Hardware Validation

18:01 The Role of Independent Researchers

20:59 Bounties and Community Involvement

23:56 Innovative Techniques for Hardware Analysis

27:06 The Future of Hardware Security

31:57 The Evolution of Computing: From Transistors to Quantum

36:11 Understanding Hardware Trust and Supply Chain Risks

41:52 The Need for Continuous Monitoring and Assurance

55:31 The Future of High Assurance Devices and Backdoors