Central and delegate security processors for a computing device

The present disclosure describes use of two security processors for a mobile device. In some aspects, a first security processor device embodied in a security component of an apparatus receives a user input via an input device and transmits a security condition signal to a second security processor device embodied in a System on Chip (SoC) component of the apparatus, causing the SoC component to perform a security operation. In other aspects, the first security processor receives a signal via a sensor device sensing environmental conditions surrounding the apparatus and, in response, transmits a security condition signal to the second security processor, causing the SoC component to perform a security operation. The security operation is directly controlled, maintained, and implemented by the second security processor embodied in the SoC component.

BACKGROUND

Today's mobile device user expects the mobile device to not only provide reliable communication, but also to offer security and protection against threats to use of the mobile device, data stored on the mobile device, and operations performed by the mobile device. The threats are many: an unauthorized user, a lost or stolen mobile device, an unintended use of the mobile device (e.g., eavesdropping through a microphone on the mobile device), malware or spyware that may compromise data or applications on the mobile device, or communication from the mobile device to unintended recipients. Each of these may compromise security of the mobile device, a user of the mobile device, or data stored on the mobile device.

Conventional mobile device architecture relies on a System on Chip (SoC) component having memory and multiple processing cores to operate the mobile device. Security against threats to the mobile device typically relies upon functionality provided by a single secure element separate and disparate from the SoC component, such as a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) component or a discrete Secure Element (SE) component. The TPM/SE component can, for example, receive signals and, based on the signals, perform security operations directed to authentication services, such as authenticating passwords, encryption keys, or certificates in order to protect data stored on the mobile device. The use of the TPM/SE component, however, has limitations with regards to directly operating or controlling the mobile device. If, for example, the TPM/SE component itself is consumed performing an authentication security operation or if the TPM/SE component itself is compromised, a security operation direct to enabling or curtailing mobile device functionality may not be executable.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce subject matter that is further described in the Detailed Description and Drawings. Accordingly, this Summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In some aspects, an apparatus is described that comprises a central security processor device embodied in a Central Security Chip (CSC) component, a delegate security processor device embodied in a System on Chip (SoC) component, and a user input subsystem. The central security processor device is configured to receive an input signal from a user via the user input subsystem, determine a security condition, and, in response to determining the security condition, transmit a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device. The delegate security processor device is configured to receive the signal and, in response to receiving the signal, cause the SoC component to perform a security operation.

In some aspects, an apparatus is described that comprises a central security processor device embodied in a CSC component, a delegate security processor device embodied in a SoC component, and a sensor subsystem. The central security processor device is configured to receive a sensed signal from the sensor subsystem, determine a security condition, and, in response to determining the security condition, transmit a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device. The delegate security processor device is configured to receive the signal and, in response to receiving the signal, cause the SoC component to perform a security operation.

In other aspects, a method performed by an apparatus is described where a delegate processor device embodied in a SoC component receives a security condition signal. The security condition signal is from a central security processor embodied in a CSC component that is separate and disparate from the SoC component and sent by the central security processor device in response to the central security processor device receiving a sensed or input signal. The delegate security processor device then causes, in response to receiving the security condition signal, the SoC component to perform a security operation.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional architecture of a mobile device relies on a System on Chip (SoC) component having integrated circuits (IC's) comprised of memory and multiple processing core devices necessary to operate the mobile device. Security against threats to a mobile device typically relies upon services provided by a single secure element such as a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) component or a discrete Secure Element (SE) component having additional IC circuitry. Such components can, for example, receive signals and, based on the signals, perform authentication services such as authenticating passwords, encryption keys, or certificates in order to protect data stored on the mobile device. For the mobile device to pass a security assurance certification such as an Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) category ranking, it is often necessary for the TPM/SE component to be separate and disparate from other components of the mobile device, including the SoC component. In addition, IC circuitry that is included as part of the TPM/SE component and is necessary for the TPM/SE component to function, particularly IC circuitry centric to a TPM/SE specific memory device, may not be capable of being manufactured as part of the SoC component due to limitations of the SoC manufacturing technology; this further necessitates that the TPM/SE component with the TPM/SE specific memory device be separate and disparate from the SoC component.

In particular, the TPM/SE component is passive with regards to controlling operation of the mobile device. If a security condition develops, the TPM/SE component cannot directly enable or disable subsystems of the mobile device that might be used to perform, for example, user input functions, sensing functions, power management functions, memory management functions, or communication system functions. In such an instance, architecture utilizing the SoC to maintain direct control over the enabling or disabling of subsystems of the mobile device is needed.

A security policy typically defines protocol that is to be used when enabling or disabling subsystems of a mobile device when the mobile device experiences a security condition. Such a security policy may be developed by a user of the mobile device and vary based on a variety of factors, including, for example, a particular user of the mobile device, a particular security condition, or a particular mobile device itself.

This disclosure describes apparatuses and methods for maintaining security of a mobile device according to a security policy, utilizing a central security processor device embodied in a Central Security Chip (CSC) component and a delegate security processor device embodied in a SoC component. The central security processor device determines, based on a received signal and data stored in a memory device that is also embodied in the CSC, a security condition. In order to maintain security of the mobile device according to a particular security policy, the central security processor device then transmits a signal, via a secure control and communication network, to the delegate security processor device. The delegate security processor device then causes the SoC component to perform the security operation, relying on one or more subsystem processing cores embodied in the SoC component to execute the security operation.

The following discussion describes an operating environment, apparatuses in which components of the operating environment can be embodied, and a method that may be employed in the operating environment. In the context of the present disclosure, reference is made to the operating environment by way of example only.

Operating Environment

FIG. 1illustrates an example operating environment100that includes a variety of electronic computing devices in accordance with one or more aspects. The variety of electronic computing devices includes mobile computing devices such as a mobile phone102, a personal digital assistant104, a tablet106, and a laptop108computer. The operating environment may also include non-mobile computing devices such as the personal computer110and the like.

Generally, the variety of electronic computing devices will each include at least one printed circuit board (PCB) module120populated with a variety of components, IC-based or otherwise. In this example, the PCB module includes a printed circuit board122includes one or more layers of dielectric and conductive circuitry, a Central Security Chip (CSC) component124having a central security processor device126and a System on Chip (SoC) component128having a delegate security processor device130.

In the context of the operating environment100, an electronic computing device may perform any number of sensitive operations that access, exchange, display, or record sensitive data. The access, exchange, display, or recording of sensitive data may be a component of, for example, performing a financial transaction, initiating a function of a physical device that is part of the Internet of Things (IoT), or controlling automobile operation via an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS). The sensitive operation may be performed via the electronic computing device communicating to another electronic computing device either directly or indirectly via any one of a variety of networks, including a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and the like. Communicating via the variety of networks may be supported by any number of communication technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fiber-optics, or infrared communication. As a sensitive operation is being performed by the electronic computing device, it is desirable to assure that a security condition compromising secure operation of the electronic computing device is not present. Such a security condition may be, for example, access of the electronic computing device by an unintended user (either directly or remotely) or the electronic computing device being in an environment where it is not intended to be used. In the context of the operating environment100, the central security processor device126embodied in the CSC component124is used to determine such a security condition exists and, in response, transmit a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device130embodied in the SoC component128such that it can, in response, perform a security operation that directly enables or disables any number of subsystems of the electronic computing device. A particular security operation to be performed may be established via a security policy that is implemented by a user of the electronic computing device.

FIG. 2illustrates an example apparatus having a configuration200where an input signal202is sent to a central security processor device126embodied in a CSC component124of the apparatus. The central security processor device126is configured to communicate with a delegate security processor device130embodied on a SoC component128of the apparatus. The SoC component128is separate from the CSC component124in accordance with operating environment100and as determined by Evaluation Assurance Level requirements. The apparatus further comprises multiple apparatus subsystems, including an apparatus user input subsystem204, an apparatus sensor subsystem206, an apparatus memory subsystem208, an apparatus power subsystem210, an apparatus display subsystem212, and an apparatus communications subsystem214.

The CSC component124also includes IC circuitry comprising a CSC component memory device216storing data. The central security processor device126is configured to, upon receipt of the input signal202, determine whether a security condition exists based on the received input signal202and the data stored in the CSC component memory device216. If the security condition exists, the central security processor device126transmits a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device130.

The SoC component128also includes IC circuitry comprising a SoC component memory device218. The SoC component memory device218is a computer-readable memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause the central security processor device126to perform a security operation in response to receiving the security condition signal. The SoC component128also comprises IC circuitry of multiple apparatus subsystem core devices used for processing other instructions that are stored in the SoC component memory device218and that also control operations of the apparatus, including operations performed by an apparatus user input core device220, an apparatus sensor core device222, an apparatus memory core device224, an apparatus power management core device226, an apparatus display core device228and an apparatus communications core device230. Apparatus subsystem core devices220-230may communicate with corresponding apparatus subsystems204-214in order to operate the corresponding subsystems.

Communication within the apparatus is configured such that the central security processor device126and the delegate security processor device130communicate via an external secure control and communication bus232, where the external secure control and communication bus232is external to both the CSC component124and the SoC component128. The delegate security processor device130, the SoC component memory device218, and the apparatus subsystem core devices220-230communicate via an internal secure control and communication bus234that is internal the SoC component128.

In the instance where the central security processor device126receives the input signal202, determines a security condition, and transmits a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device130, the delegate security processor device130may according to a security policy and in a fashion autonomous from the central security processor device126, communicate messaging to the apparatus subsystem core devices220-230which, in turn, signal the apparatus subsystems204-214to perform one or more security operations according to the security policy.

The security operations may include security operations directed to functionality of the apparatus including, for example, disabling a display of the apparatus so that information cannot be displayed, powering off the apparatus so that an unintended user may not be able to use the device, shutting down a data path to a memory device of the apparatus so that confidential information cannot be accessed, disabling a sensor device of the apparatus so that the apparatus is unable to record visual or audible conditions surrounding the apparatus, or disabling communications of the apparatus in order to prevent unintended transmission or receipt of information by the apparatus. The delegate security processor device130might also perform security operations that are directed to data security and authentication and might otherwise be performed by the central security processor device126, such as such as template matching, keymaster, or encryption security operations.

FIG. 3illustrates example user inputs that are signaled to the central security processor device126in accordance with operating environment100. User inputs are input via a user input subsystem204, which may include a keypad, a microphone, scanner, image capture device, or the like. User inputs may include, for example, a fingerprint300, an iris pattern302, or password or personal identification number304. User inputs may also include a vocal command306that is sufficient for voice recognition. Such user inputs may be used by the central security processor device126to determine, for example and based on data stored in the CSC memory device216, one or more security conditions related to authenticating a user of the apparatus.

Additionally or alternatively, the user input subsystem204may provide an input signal to the central security processor device126in a passive fashion. For example, a microphone or image capture device of the user input subsystem may passively monitor surroundings and users near the device and, without direct, active input from a user, transmit an input signal to the central security processor device126. The central security processor device126may then determine a security condition exists, and accordingly, transmit a security condition signal to the central security processor device126.

FIG. 4illustrates an example apparatus having a configuration400where a sensed signal402is sent to a central security processor device126embodied in a CSC component124of the apparatus. The central security processor device126is configured to communicate with a delegate security processor device130embodied on a SoC component128of the apparatus. The SoC component128is separate from the CSC component124in accordance with operating environment100and as determined by Evaluation Assurance Level requirements. The apparatus further comprises multiple apparatus subsystems, including an apparatus user input subsystem204, an apparatus sensor subsystem206, an apparatus memory subsystem208, an apparatus power subsystem210, an apparatus display subsystem212, and an apparatus communications subsystem214.

The CSC component124also includes IC circuitry comprising a CSC component memory device216storing data. Upon receipt of the input signal202, the central security processor device126is configured to determine whether a security condition exists based on the received input signal202and the data stored in the CSC component memory device216. If the security condition exists, the central security processor device126transmits a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device130.

The SoC component128also includes IC circuitry comprising a SoC component memory device218. The SoC component memory device218is a computer-readable memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause the central security processor device126to perform a security operation in response to receiving the security condition signal. The SoC component128also comprises IC circuitry of multiple apparatus subsystem core devices used for processing other instructions that are stored in the SoC component memory device218and that also control operations of the apparatus, including operations performed by an apparatus user input core device220, an apparatus sensor core device222, an apparatus memory core device224, an apparatus power management core device226, an apparatus display core device228and an apparatus communications core device230. Apparatus subsystem core devices220-230may communicate with corresponding apparatus subsystems204-214in order to operate the corresponding subsystems.

Communication within the apparatus is configured such that the central security processor device126and the delegate security processor device130communicate via an external secure control and communication bus232, where the external secure control and communication bus232is external to both the CSC component124and the SoC component128. The delegate security processor device130, the SoC component memory device218, and the apparatus subsystem core devices220-230communicate via an internal secure control and communication bus234, which is internal the SoC component128.

In the instance where the central security processor device126receives the sensed signal402, determines a security condition, and transmits a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device130, the delegate security processor device130may, according to a security policy and in a fashion autonomous from the central security processor device126, communicate messaging to the apparatus subsystem core devices220-230which, in turn, signal the apparatus subsystems204-214to perform one or more security operations according to the security policy.

The security operations may include security operations directed to functionality of the apparatus including, for example, disabling a display of the apparatus so that information cannot be displayed, powering off the apparatus so that an unintended user may not be able to use the device, shutting down a data path to a memory device of the apparatus so that confidential information cannot be accessed, disabling a sensor device of the apparatus so that the apparatus is unable to record visual or audible conditions surrounding the apparatus, or disabling communications of the apparatus in order to prevent unintended transmission or receipt of information by the apparatus.

The delegate security processor device130may also perform security operations that are directed to data security and authentication and might otherwise be performed by the central security processor device126, such as such as template matching, keymaster, or encryption security operations.

FIG. 5illustrates example sensed environmental conditions, which are sensed by a sensor subsystem and signaled to the central security processor device126in accordance with one or more aspects of operating environment100. Surroundings of the apparatus that indicate environmental conditions are sensed by the apparatus sensor subsystem206which may be comprised of any combination of sensor devices that, for example, sense radio waves500used in communication or radar technologies, position signals502used for location or Global Positioning Systems (GPS), thermal conditions504surrounding the apparatus, light waves506that may be surrounding or communicating with the apparatus, electromagnetic flux508that may be surrounding the apparatus, or a proximity signal510indicating proximity of the apparatus to a user.

A sensed single environmental condition or a sensed combination of environmental conditions may be used by the central security processor device126to determine a security condition where the apparatus is being accessed by another apparatus which is not authorized to retrieve data from the apparatus, a security condition where the apparatus has been stolen or transported to a location where it is not to operate, a security condition where operating the apparatus may damage the apparatus, or a security condition where the apparatus is not in proximity to the owner of the apparatus. Such sensed conditions be used by the central security processor device126to determine, for example and based on data stored in the CSC memory device216, one or more security conditions related to the apparatus's presence in an insecure environment.

FIG. 6illustrates an example method600performed by a delegate security processor device of an apparatus. The delegate security processor device130may be embodied on the SoC component128as describe above. At stage602, the delegate security processor device receives a security condition signal. At stage604, the delegate security processor device causes, in response to receiving the security condition signal, a security operation to be performed. The security operation may be a security operation that is directed to functionality of the apparatus including, for example, disabling a display of the apparatus so that information cannot be displayed, powering off the apparatus so that an unintended user may not be able to use the device, shutting down a data path to a memory device of the apparatus so that confidential information cannot be accessed, disabling a sensor device of the apparatus so that the apparatus is unable to record visual or audible conditions surrounding the apparatus, or disabling communications of the apparatus in order to prevent unintended transmission or receipt of information by the apparatus. The security operation may alternatively be a security operation that is directed to data security and authentication, such as performing a template matching operation, performing a keymaster operation, or performing an encryption operation. At stage606, the delegate security processor device optionally transmits a confirmation signal indicating confirming that the security operation has been performed.

FIG. 7illustrates an example method700performed by a central security processor device of an apparatus. The central security processor device may be embodied on the CSC component124as described above. At stage702, the central security processor device receives an input signal or a sensed signal. In some cases, the input signal may be received from a user input subsystem of the apparatus, and may be an iris pattern, a password, a personal identification number, or a vocal command. In other cases, the sensed signal may be received from a sensor subsystem of the apparatus that senses a radio wave, a position, a thermal condition, a light wave, an electromagnetic flux, or a proximity of the apparatus to a user. At stage704, the central security processor device determines, based on stored data and the received input signal or sensed signal, a security condition. At stage706the central security processor device transmits, in response to determining the security condition, a security condition signal. At stage708the central security processor device optionally receives a confirmation signal that confirms a security operation has been performed.

FIG. 8illustrates an example method800performed on an apparatus having a central security processor device and a delegate security processor device. The central security processor device may be embodied on the CSC component124as described above. The delegate security processor device may be embodied on the SoC component128as described above.

At stage802, the central security processor device receives a signal. In some cases, the signal may be received from a user input subsystem of the apparatus, and may be an iris pattern, a password, a personal identification number, or a vocal command. In other cases, the signal may be received from a sensor subsystem of the apparatus that senses a radio wave, a position, a thermal condition, a light wave, an electromagnetic flux, or a proximity of the apparatus to a user.

At stage804, the central security processor device determines a security condition in response to receiving the signal and based, at least in part, on data stored on the CSC component. The central security processor device then transmits, in response to determining the security condition, a security condition signal to the delegate security processor device.

At stage806, the delegate security processor device causes the SoC to perform a security operation in response to receiving the security condition signal. The security operation may be a security operation that is directed to functionality of the apparatus including, for example, disabling a display of the apparatus so that information cannot be displayed, powering off the apparatus so that an unintended user may not be able to use the device, shutting down a data path to a memory device of the apparatus so that confidential information cannot be accessed, disabling a sensor device of the apparatus so that the apparatus is unable to record visual or audible conditions surrounding the apparatus, or disabling communications of the apparatus in order to prevent unintended transmission or receipt of information by the apparatus. The security operation may alternatively be a security operation that is directed to data security and authentication, such as performing a template matching operation, performing a keymaster operation, or performing an encryption operation.

CONCLUSION

Although techniques using, and apparatuses including, a CSC component having a central security processor device and a SoC component having a delegate security processor device are described, it is to be understood that the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example ways in a central security processor device and a delegate security processor device can be implemented.