Anti-virus hardware: Applications in Embedded, Automotive and Power Systems security

Anti-virus software (AVS) tools are used to detect Malware in a system. However, software-based AVS are vulnerable to attacks. A malicious entity can exploit these vulnerabilities to subvert the AVS. Recently, hardware components such as Hardware Performance Counters (HPC) have been used for Malware detection, in the form of Anti-virus Hardware (AVH). In this talk, we will discuss HPC-based AVHs for improving embedded security and privacy. Furthermore, we will discuss the application of HPCs in security cyber physical systems (CPS), namely automotive and microgrid systems. Subsequently, we will discuss their pitfalls. Finally, we will present PREEMPT, a zero overhead, high-accuracy and low-latency technique to detect Malware by re-purposing the embedded trace buffer (ETB), a debug hardware component available in most modern processors. The ETB is used for post-silicon validation and debug and allows us to control and monitor the internal activities of a chip, beyond what is provided by the Input/Output pins. PREEMPT combines these hardware-level observations with machine learning-based classifiers to preempt Malware before it can cause damage. We will conclude the talk with future research directions and challenges.

Kanad Basu

University of Texas, Dallas on September 24, 2021 at 10:15 AM in EB3 2232

Kanad Basu received his Ph.D. from the department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering, University of Florida. His thesis was focused on improving signal observability for post-silicon validation. Post-Ph.D., Kanad worked in various semiconductor companies like IBM and Synopsys. During his Ph.D. days, Kanad interned at Intel. Currently, Kanad is an Assistant Professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the University of Texas at Dallas, where he leads the Trustworthy and Intelligent Embedded Systems (TIES) lab. Prior to this, Kanad was an Assistant Research Professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of NYU. He has authored 1 book, 2 US patents, 2 book chapters and several peer reviewed journal and conference articles. Kanad was awarded the ”Best Paper Award” at the International Conference on VLSI Design 2011. Several News agencies have covered his research including NBC Austin and CBS Dallas-Fort Worth. Kanad’s current research interests are hardware and systems security as well as Deep learning hardware.

This lecture series features exciting and dynamic visiting and virtual speakers from across the range of ECE disciplines. Take some time every Friday morning to be inspired by these great scientists and engineers before heading into the weekend!