Paper 2024/1892

A Comprehensive Survey on Hardware-Software co-Protection against Invasive, Non-Invasive and Interactive Security Threats

Abstract

In the face of escalating security threats in modern computing systems, there is an urgent need for comprehensive defense mechanisms that can effectively mitigate invasive, noninvasive and interactive security vulnerabilities in hardware and software domains. Individually, hardware and software weaknesses and probable remedies have been practiced but protecting a combined system has not yet been discussed in detail. This survey paper provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of Hardware-Software co-Protection against Invasive and Non-Invasive Security Threats. We systematically review state-of-the-art research and developments in hardware and software security techniques, focusing on their integration to create synergistic defense mechanisms. The survey covers a wide range of security threats, including physical attacks, side-channel attacks, and malware exploits, and explores the diverse strategies employed to counter them. Our survey meticulously examines the landscape of security vulnerabilities, encompassing both physical and software-based attack vectors, and explores the intricate interplay between hardware and software defenses in mitigating these threats. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with Hardware-Software co-Protection and identify future research directions to advance the field. Through this survey, we aim to provide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with valuable insights into the latest advancements and best practices for defending against complex security threats in modern computing environments.