As fraudsters are continuously finding new ways to strike, we’re continuously finding new ways to prevent them with controls such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, fraud detection software, etc.
But not everyone is aware that it all begins with how electronic devices are designed. With the way Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are laid out and built, to be precise.
This assembly is far more important for cybersecurity than you might think. It affects how secure the hardware is, as well as how well data stays safe. So, no wonder that the global PCBs market is expected to reach $95.4 billion by 2027 with an annual growth rate of 5.2%.
But wait. Didn’t PCBs use to just connect things?
How did they come to matter in cybersecurity?
Stick with me till the end of this article, and we’ll find out!
Understanding Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
To understand their role in cybersecurity, you must first understand how PCBs work. Put simply, they’re the nervous systems of probably all electronic devices you possess. We refer to them like this because PCBs are designed to connect electronic components, such as microprocessors, sensors, display modules, etc., so that devices can work smoothly as a whole.
Let me give you an example.
Let’s say you want to open Instagram on your phone. As soon as you tap the app icon, the PCB connects your phone processor to its memory and display and VOILÀ. You can suddenly scroll through your feed and view images and videos with exceptional speed.
The same goes for any activity you wish to perform on your laptop, smartwatch, tablet, or any other electronic device. Dialing, typing, browsing the web… PCBs make it all happen.
As far as their design goes, PCBs almost never look the same; their size and shape depend on the device they’re meant for. Their material used to be somewhat standard, as most PCBs were made of fiberglass accompanied by epoxy resin, also known as FR4.
But as Flexible PCB Assembly came onto the scene, things have changed. We now have more flexible PCBs made of substrates such as polyimide or polyester that can be shaped and bent in any way the device’s structure and components require. This is ideal for small, compact devices such as wearables and foldable smartphones, as well as for medical implants.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s focus on their role in cybersecurity.
Why PCBs matter in cybersecurity
When looking for ways to protect our devices against fraud, we always turn to external defenses. We implement fraud detection software, encrypt our information, and use multi-factor authentication, not having the slightest idea that the inside assembly also plays a huge role.
However, manufacturers DO. This is why it’s extremely important for them to design electronic devices with security in mind. That is, to only use PCBs with robust security features.
While they’re not directly related to cybersecurity, their design and integrity help strengthen the security of electronic devices and systems. Let’s go over some aspects in which they’re related:
Hardware security
The hardware level within electronic devices is extremely important when security is in question, as no other security layer is harder for attackers to bypass than the foundational one. All other security measures, including software and network security, are simply built upon it.
This is also why secure hardware design on PCBs matters. It makes sure that security features are deeply rooted in the device, making it all the more difficult for unauthorized access and tampering. Here are some examples of hardware security measures implemented in PCBs:
- Hardware encryption: When it comes to PCBs, hardware encryption means integrating specialized chips or modules onto the circuit board. They’ll handle all encryption and decryption tasks at the hardware level so that all data you store and transmit through the PCB stays secure. This literally means cutting off the attackers at the source.
- Trusted platform module (TPM): A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a microcontroller chip that’s embedded in a computer to improve its security and privacy. The TPM can securely store and generate cryptographic keys, passwords, certificates, and encryption keys. It can also store measurements of the boot process to help ensure the platform’s integrity. The TPM includes physical security mechanisms to make it tamper-resistant, and malicious software can’t interfere with its security functions. Each TPM chip has a unique RSA key that’s embedded into it during production, which can be used for device authentication.
- Secure boot: When implemented in PCBs, these mechanisms can make the difference between good and bad in terms of software. They’ll make sure that as soon as you turn it on, only trusted and approved software can start and run on your device.
We also have the tamper detection sensors, which, although not associated with cybersecurity, are still worth mentioning. They’re responsible for detecting if someone physically tries to tamper with your device but are also trained to respond by wiping data or disabling the device.
Performance and reliability
When well-designed, PCBs help network security appliances continue working well without compromising their speed and reliability. This means that they’ll handle their tasks without slowing down or causing problems, even if they’re under heavy use or dealing with a lot of data.
By handling tasks, we mean protecting the networks they’re supposed to, such as:
- Corporate networks that are usually used by businesses or organizations and are meant to secure everything on the inside – communication, data, and resources;
- Government networks, which are obviously used by government agencies to guard the citizens’ sensitive information against all kinds of malicious attacks;
- Financial networks that are used in banks and other financial institutions to ensure the security of financial transactions and customer data;
- Healthcare networks that are used by hospitals and other healthcare facilities in order to keep patients’ information secure and comply with healthcare regulations.
These are all different networks, meaning they vary in size and security requirements. What they have in common is that they’re all protected and powered by network security appliances, with the goal of securing information and preventing fraud in a world where cybersecurity threats thrive, which wouldn’t be possible without well-designed Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
Scalability and flexibility
As technology becomes more advanced by the day, PCBs are finally receiving the growth-related attention they deserve. For example, modular PCB designs make it possible for electronic devices to adapt to the changing technology and the different security needs of users.
So, what does modular mean in network security appliances?
This means that even if the PCB connects different components so that they work smoothly together, you can still upgrade or replace them separately or even add new ones when needed. Such PCB designs allow network security appliances to scale, such as when you need to increase memory capacity or processing power or implement the security features you need to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity demands and regulations. As you can see, it’s quite flexible.
Potential cybersecurity threats without secure PCBs
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the same thing – secure PCBs are important for protecting our electronic devices against potential threats, including:
- Data breaches: If manufacturers fail to implement encryption mechanisms in the PCB, then all sensitive information you’ve stored and transferred on your device is at risk of being exploited. It’s literally like giving attackers a free pass.
- Malware injection: If PCBs aren’t accompanied by modules or secure boot mechanisms, they won’t be able to recognize whether an app or software is trustworthy and will just let it slide without being aware it might poison your device.
- Network vulnerabilities: Unsecure PCBs will potentially fail to protect network security appliances. This might lead to serious data breaches, such as exposing customers’ information across financial, government, or healthcare facilities.
And once again, there’s always the possibility for attackers to tamper with and physically try to manipulate the PCB integrated into your device. Thankfully, secure PCB designs that include tamper-detection sensors aren’t only able to detect such attempts but also to respond to them with the necessary measures – possibly wiping all stored data or disabling the device.
Secure PCBs for secure electronics
While not directly related to cybersecurity, PCBs seem to be quite handy for protecting our electronic devices against potential cyber-attacks. Who knew?
Now you do. So, whether you’re looking to purchase a laptop or smartphone for business or personal purposes, make sure that the manufacturer includes secure PCBs in their devices.
Trust me, it’s much easier knowing that your device is protected at its core rather than spending time and money on trying out different techniques that might only patch the problem. And we’re all fully aware that when it comes to security in today’s world, it’s all or nothing.
