Using physical unclonable functions for internet-of-thing security cameras

Abstract

This paper proposes a low-cost solution to develop IoT security cameras. Integrity and confidentiality of the image data are achieved by cryptographic modules that implement symmetric key-based techniques which are usually available in the hardware of the IoT cameras. The novelty of this proposal is that the secret key required is not stored but reconstructed from the start-up values of a SRAM in the camera hardware acting as a PUF (Physical Unclonable Function), so that the physical authenticity of the camera is also ensured. The start-up values of the SRAM are also exploited to change the IV (Initialization Vector) in the encryption algorithm. All the steps for enrollment and normal operation can be included in a simple firmware to be executed by the camera. There is no need to include specific hardware but only a SRAM is needed which could be powered down and up by firmware.