The complexity and insecurity of computer systems stem from multiple layers that exist between application software and the hardware, making it difficult to ensure system integrity. This complexity is exacerbated by advancements in technology, as modern CPUs contain significantly more transistors than their predecessors, while the cost of complex devices has decreased. Thomas Dullien’s keynote highlights the relationship between complexity and security failures, emphasizing that while security measures are evolving, they are outpaced by the rate of insecurity. The consensus among election-security experts suggests using optical-scan voting machines for counting votes, as they can be more reliable than human counting, but stresses the importance of audits to mitigate risks. The discussion includes hardware supply-chain issues and the necessity for better control over devices amidst the growing threat of cyber-attacks.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity of Computer Systems | Increased layers in computer systems lead to heightened insecurity and potential for malicious alterations. | From simpler systems to complex ones with many layers that obscure security risks. | Future systems may adopt simpler architectures or enhanced security protocols to mitigate risks. | The trend towards complexity in technology driven by cost-effectiveness and performance demands. | 4 |
| Economic Incentives for Complexity | Cheaper complex devices are preferred over custom secure devices due to economies of scale. | Shift from valuing simplicity and security to prioritizing cost-effectiveness and complexity. | Market may see a rise in demand for custom security solutions as vulnerabilities become more apparent. | Manufacturers’ preference for complex solutions due to lower production costs despite security risks. | 4 |
| Increased Transistor Density | Growth in transistors per chip contributes to rising complexity and insecurity in computing devices. | From low-density, simpler chips to high-density, complex chips that increase vulnerability. | Chips may evolve to include built-in security features to counteract vulnerabilities from increased density. | Continuous innovation in chip technology, following Moore’s Law, drives complexity and security challenges. | 5 |
| Supply Chain Trust Issues | Concerns about trusting CPU vendors and potential vulnerabilities in hardware supply chains. | From trusting established vendors to increased skepticism and demand for transparency in supply chains. | Future computing may require robust verification systems to ensure hardware integrity and trustworthiness. | Recent incidents and awareness of hardware vulnerabilities heighten the focus on supply chain security. | 5 |
| Need for Risk-Limiting Audits in Elections | Consensus on using audits to ensure the accuracy of voting machines amidst inherent insecurities. | Shift from blind trust in electronic voting to a verification process that includes physical audits. | Elections may increasingly rely on hybrid systems that combine technology with manual verification for security. | Growing public concern over election integrity and the security of voting systems drives demand for audits. | 4 |
| Emerging Cybersecurity Research | The possibility of advancements in cybersecurity measures as a response to growing insecurities. | From reactive to proactive cybersecurity approaches as awareness of vulnerabilities increases. | Innovative cybersecurity solutions may significantly enhance the security landscape of computing devices. | The escalating threat landscape in cybersecurity motivates research and development in protective technologies. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity and Insecurity of Computer Systems | The intricate layers in computer systems create vulnerabilities that can be exploited, leading to potential security breaches. | 5 |
| Supply Chain Trustworthiness | Trust issues regarding CPU vendors and the integrity of hardware supply chains can undermine system security. | 4 |
| Rise of Cheap Complexity | The trend towards complex, cost-effective devices can lead to security vulnerabilities, making systems harder to secure. | 5 |
| Decoupling of Control and Possession | The separation of possession and control in IT environments can lead to security risks, as unauthorized control over devices may occur. | 4 |
| Potential for Remote Exploitation | Remote management features may create vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to exploit systems from afar. | 5 |
| Silicon Trojans | The presence of malicious modifications within CPU chips poses significant risks to data integrity and security. | 5 |
| Dependency on Software Audits | Reliance on audits of voting machines for accuracy highlights systemic vulnerabilities that may remain unaddressed. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity Awareness | Recognition of the inherent complexity in modern computer systems and their impact on security, leading to calls for simpler designs. | 5 |
| Critical Examination of Trust | Increased scrutiny of hardware supply chains and the trustworthiness of CPU vendors, questioning who truly controls devices. | 4 |
| Advocacy for Simplicity in Design | A movement towards designing simpler, application-specific devices to enhance security, countering the trend of complex general-purpose devices. | 5 |
| Risk Limiting Audits | Implementation of risk-limiting audits for voting systems to ensure accuracy and security against potential hacks or bugs. | 4 |
| Security by Design | A push for incorporating security features, like kill-switches in processors, as essential elements of hardware design. | 4 |
| Awareness of Silicon Trojans | Growing awareness of vulnerabilities such as silicon trojans in CPUs, leading to discussions about deeper systemic security threats. | 5 |
| Public Engagement in Cybersecurity Issues | Encouragement for the public to engage in discussions and awareness about cybersecurity and the implications of device vulnerabilities. | 3 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| Machines used to count paper ballots, offering higher accuracy than human counting when not compromised. | 4 | fba2096cec7c08fe7c05d259b29dd5d9 |
| Research and innovations aimed at improving the security of computer systems amidst growing complexity and insecurity. | 4 | fba2096cec7c08fe7c05d259b29dd5d9 |
| A proposed system of authentication for processors to enhance security and traceability of chips. | 5 | fba2096cec7c08fe7c05d259b29dd5d9 |
| Technologies like Intel Management Engine that enable remote control of devices, raising security concerns. | 3 | fba2096cec7c08fe7c05d259b29dd5d9 |
| Devices designed for specific functions that could enhance security but are costly to produce compared to general-purpose CPUs. | 4 | fba2096cec7c08fe7c05d259b29dd5d9 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity of Computer Systems | The increasing complexity of computer systems creates vulnerabilities that are difficult to secure, especially in critical applications like voting. | 5 |
| Insecurity of Voting Machines | Voting machines are inherently insecure due to their complex architecture, raising concerns about the integrity of elections. | 5 |
| Hardware Supply Chain Trust Issues | Growing concerns about trusting CPU vendors and the security of hardware components in a global supply chain. | 4 |
| Remote Management Vulnerabilities | Remote management features in devices can lead to security risks, as control can be decoupled from possession. | 4 |
| Cost of Custom-Designed Secure Systems | The high cost of developing simpler, custom-designed computing systems limits the adoption of more secure technologies. | 4 |
| Need for Risk-Limiting Audits | To ensure the accuracy of voting machines, the necessity for risk-limiting audits of paper ballots is emphasized. | 3 |
| Potential for Silicon Trojans | The existence of silicon trojans raises serious security concerns about the integrity of CPUs and their functionality. | 5 |
| Optimism in Cybersecurity Research | Despite the challenges, there are ongoing efforts and research aimed at improving cybersecurity measures. | 3 |