Securing Hardware and Firmware Supply Chains
Microsoft is enhancing hardware and firmware supply chain security in cloud data centers through initiatives like Caliptra for device identity, the OCP SAFE program for security reviews, and the SCITT for transparency.
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Microsoft emphasizes the importance of securing hardware and firmware supply chains in modern cloud data centers. Firmware, which operates on every chip in a server, is critical for the integrity and security of the entire software stack. To enhance security, Microsoft collaborates with industry partners through the Open Compute Project (OCP) to establish open hardware and firmware specifications. A notable initiative is Caliptra, which provides a Root of Trust for ASICs, ensuring each device has a unique identity and authentic firmware. Additionally, the OCP Security Appraisal Framework and Enablement (SAFE) program, launched in October 2023, standardizes security reviews for cloud hardware and firmware, offering a structured approach to security compliance. The SAFE program has expanded to include multiple Security Review Providers, enhancing the credibility of security assessments. Furthermore, Microsoft has developed a Hardware Key Management Service (HKMS) to track device identities throughout their lifecycle, ensuring only authentic hardware is deployed in Azure. The Supply Chain Integrity, Transparency, and Trust (SCITT) initiative aims to improve supply chain security by managing compliance and transparency across goods and services. By integrating these technologies, Microsoft enhances the security, transparency, and trustworthiness of its systems, allowing organizations to enforce security policies effectively.
- Microsoft collaborates with industry partners to secure hardware and firmware supply chains.
- The Caliptra initiative provides a unique identity for devices, enhancing firmware authenticity.
- The OCP SAFE program standardizes security reviews for cloud hardware and firmware.
- Microsoft’s HKMS tracks device identities throughout their lifecycle for authenticity.
- The SCITT initiative aims to improve supply chain security and transparency.
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3 commentsFunny how that also implies "we will have total control over what device we allow to run our software, and what we allow you to do with that"
Two sides of the same totalitarian coin.
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