NOR Flash Memories provide security to protect code and data.
Press Release Summary:
NOR Flash memories with non-volatile Krypto(TM) hardware and software technology allow access to memory content only after mutual authentication between NOR Flash and CPU. To safeguard intellectual property and stored program code, read protection mechanism prevents unauthorized reading of memory or duplication of its data in pirate devices. Sensitive data can be hidden, code can be encrypted, or access can be limited, and each element can be activated independently.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Unveils Enhanced Security Features to Protect Code and Data in NOR Flash Memories
New Hardware and Software Developments Under ST's 'Krypto(TM)' Banner Will Give Authenticated Memory Access and Provide Improved Protection of Customers' IP, Code and Data
GENEVA, Feb. 15 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) has announced development of a range of security initiatives for NOR Flash memories -- to be promoted under the Krypto(TM) banner -- which will provide protection against unauthorized access to stored data and program code. ST is one of the world's largest suppliers of NOR Flash devices across a broad range of applications, including mobile phones, set-top boxes (STBs), DVD players, games and digital cameras, where data security is crucial.
Krypto(TM) is part of ST's on-going development process to create new and increasingly effective security features for the widely used memory chips. Protection against both malicious and accidental code modification is already available in specific existing devices; now designers will be able to choose from a range of enhanced security techniques that can block hardware replacement attempts and prevent unauthorized reading and duplication of the memory content.
Today's latest generation applications demand features that not only deliver increased operational performance, but that also provide data protection. To meet this need STMicroelectronics is strongly committed to enhancing the quality and security of its NOR Flash memory portfolio, at the same time as it develops the advanced features that enable its customers to be highly competitive in their markets.
The non-volatile Krypto(TM) hardware and software technology offers different levels of protection depending on the application and the customer's requirements:
o Its main benefit is the protection provided when accessing the memory content which could represent a definitive step towards guaranteeing complete code protection for a mobile system. Access is allowed only after mutual authentication between the NOR Flash and the CPU, thus preventing illegal or forbidden operations via any interface inside or outside the system.
o In addition, the technology includes a read protection mechanism aimed at preventing unauthorized reading of the memory or duplication of its data in pirate devices, so safeguarding IP (Intellectual Property) and the stored program code. ST's existing protection option, against the modification of memory data, has been given increased flexibility since the last release of the security feature set.
Krypto(TM) implementation therefore results in more secure hardware, providing a real benefit for the entire system or application; sensitive data can be hidden, code can be encrypted or access can be limited. Each of the Krypto(TM) elements can be activated independently, according to the requirements of the application and the preference of the designer.
ST's Krypto(TM) technology will become available on ST's NOR Flash devices introduced during 2005.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com/.
