Hardware Trojans in Chips: A Survey for Detection and Prevention

Area of Science:

• Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Integrated Circuit Design

Background:

• The increasing complexity and outsourcing in integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing, including Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), introduce vulnerabilities.
• Third-party involvement in IC design and fabrication creates opportunities for malicious actors to implant Hardware Trojans (HTs).
• HTs can alter chip functionality, lead to information leakage, or cause denial of service (DoS) attacks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive survey of Hardware Trojans (HTs) in integrated circuits.
• To analyze the threats posed by HTs in modern ICs.
• To review and classify existing research on HTs, focusing on prevention and detection techniques.

Main Methods:

• Compilation and classification of recent academic research on HT structures.
• Analysis of state-of-the-art HT protection techniques, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.
• Identification of current trends and future directions in hardware security.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive classification of Hardware Trojan structures is proposed.
• An in-depth review of existing HT detection and prevention strategies is presented.
• Key challenges and future research avenues in hardware security are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Hardware Trojans represent a critical threat in outsourced IC manufacturing.
• Effective prevention and detection techniques are crucial for ensuring hardware security.
• Continued research and development are necessary to address evolving hardware security challenges.