Samsung Develops New Security Chip For Mobile Devices
Samsung Electronics today introduced a standalone turnkey security solution comprised of a Secure Element (SE) chip (S3FV9RR) and security software that offers protection for tasks such as booting, isolated storage, mobile payment and other applications.
The latest security chip is Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 6+ certified, the highest level acquired by a mobile component.
The standalone security element solution (S3FV9RR) follows the first-generation solution (S3K250AF) announced in February. The new component offers higher assurance levels than its predecessor’s CC EAL 5+ with an CC EAL 6+ certified-hardware secure element, and powerful security software. CC EAL 6+ is utilized in applications that demand the most stringent security requirements in the market such as flagship smartphones, e-passports and hardware wallets for cryptocurrency.
With twice the secure storage capacity, the new solution also supports hardware-based root of trust (RoT), secure boot and device authentication. Especially for service providers, manufacturers and organizations, secure device authentication is enhanced with the RoT when running proprietary applications on a mobile device. As a bootloader initiates, a chain of trust is activated through which each and every firmware with approved keys is sequentially validated. This secure booting process is handled by the RoT, guarding the device against any possible malicious attacks or unauthorized software updates.
As a standalone solution, the chip can work independently from the security performance of the device’s main processor. This makes it versatile, expanding the security capabilities of mobile devices, IoT applications, and other devices in all performance levels. In addition, devices produced at an off-site location are not tainted with non-authorized firmware. The solution also meets the hardware security module requirements for cryptographic operations outlined by an upcoming mobile operating system version.
Samsung’s S3FV9RR is expected to be available within the third quarter of this year.