CryptoMemory prevents cloning and counterfeiting

CryptoMemory devices provide low-cost, secure means of preventing product counterfeiting and/or piracy of Intellectual Property (IP) and OEM parts. CryptoMemory uses a 64-bit embedded hardware encryption engine, four sets of non-readable, 64-bit authentication keys and four sets of non-readable, 64-bit session encryption keys to provide a higher level of protection than products based solely on EEPROM technology.

Product Counterfeiting is a $600 Billion Industry. EEPROM-based “electronic labels” are increasingly used to protect high-value products that include fashion accessories, athletic equipment and prescription drugs. However, product counterfeiters have become quite sophisticated at decoding and cloning EEPROM-based electronic labels and using them on fake products. Even the most secure EEPROMs can be copied easily using a sub-$100 EEPROM reader. The copied contents, including SHA-1 digests and encrypted passwords, can then be written to blank EEPROMs to create a
seemingly valid electronic label. The host reader will see these copies as authentic passwords or SHA-1 digests, even if they are encrypted. They have no way of knowing they are copies, making this form of protection very easy to defeat.

CryptoMemory has Secure Dynamic Mutual Authentication. Every time a transaction occurs, a CryptoMemory uses its “secret” authentication keys and a random number to generate a unique 64-bit session encryption key, and a unique 56-bit highly encrypted identity, called a cryptogram. “Cracking” the CryptoMemory is of no use in creating clones because new cryptograms are created for every transaction. The old one won’t work any more.

Once the authentication keys and session encryption keys are written to the device, fuse bits are blown to permanently lock the security information in the device. The keys can never be read — not even by the owner or the silicon manufacturer. The “secret” keys remain secret.

CryptoMemory devices are available now in memory densities of 1-Kbit up to 256-Kbits, with support for two-wire interface (TWI), and ISO 7816-3 interface in T=0 Mode. Package options include 8-lead SOIC or PDIP plastic packages with support for TWI, modules for smartcard applications with support for both TWI and ISO 7816-3, and thinned wafers.

Atmel’s Security System Solutions also include biometric sensors, secure RFID, secure memories for smart cards and embedded applications, secure processors, and secure smart card reader ICs. Atmel has the broadest selection of security chips available on the market today.

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