The 1st workshop on Dependability and Safety Emerging Cloud and Fog Systems (DeSECSys), in the context of the 25th European Symposium on Research in Computer Security (ESORICS ’20), took place virtually on September 17, 2020, and its focal point was the emergence of technologies that support the safety and dependability of the ever-increasing sensitive data handled by digital applications. In addition, besides these technologies which target security by their design, DeSECSys focused also on other technologies, such as machine learning, which could potentially be applied to secure innovative schemes. The aim of the workshop was to foster collaboration and discussion among cyber-security researchers and practitioners to discuss the various applications, opportunities and possible shortcomings of these technologies and their integration. The goal was to produce a collection of state-of-the-art research about emerging security technologies, their applications, their shortcomings and their verification with a focus on their uncompromised, in terms of security, safety and dependability, integration.
In this context, UBITECH represented the FutureTPM H2020 Research and Innovation action that aspires at designing and developing a Quantum-Resistant (QR) Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Given that quantum computers of the future will be capable of solving complex mathematical problems, the currently used public-key cryptographic solutions will be insecure. FutureTPM addresses the urgent need to find ways to incorporate quantum-resistant (QR) cryptographic algorithms into “secure by design” deployed systems. More specifically, FutureTPM aims to provide a new generation of TPM-based solutions including hardware, software and virtualization environments, by incorporating robust and physically secured Quantum-Resistant cryptographic primitives. This will allow long-term security, privacy and operational assurance for future ICT systems and services. FutureTPM solutions will also improve the security of Hardware Security Modules, Trusted Execution Environments, Smart Cards, and the Internet of Things.
In this context, UBITECH’s digital security researcher Dr. Dimitris Papamartzivanos talked about the Mission, the Technical Challenges and real-world Testbeds of FutureTPM. More specifically, the presentation revolved around the developments of the Secure Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Algorithms used in the Hardware, Software and Virtual TPM implementations, the validation & verification of the TPM and its functionalities using Formal Security Analysis, and the provision of Run-Time Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis Methodologies.
For more details on the DeSECSys workshop, the interested reader can refer the link, while for keeping track of the developments of the FutureTPM H2020 project you may refer here.
