ARM TrustZone architecture extensions build security into the processor itself while the TrustZone Software provides trusted foundation software, protected by the hardware, enabling operating systems (OS) providers, handset vendors and silicon designers to expand and develop their own security solutions on top of an interoperable framework. Currently, security-aware applications must be rewritten for every security platform they run on, fragmenting the market and inhibiting a rich ecosystem of applications and services. The new TrustZone Software API provides a standard interface for these applications to be partitioned and to communicate with a secure-side component independent of the actual system implementation. These secure applications can now target multiple security platforms and speed development time without a security penalty. The TrustZone Software API was developed with Trusted Logic, whose expertise and years of research in this field contributed to generate an initial specification that is flexible, ready to evolve and in parts already proven in market segments where security has been paramount for many years.

ARM TrustZone technology is targeted specifically at securing a range of embedded and consumer products, including those running operating systems such as Linux, Symbian, Microsoft Windows CE and Microsoft Windows Mobile. TrustZone technology tags and partitions secure data within a system and maintains a clear hardware separation between secure and non-secure information. This separation enables secure code and data to run alongside an operating system without being compromised or vulnerable to attack. The technology includes the TrustZone architecture extensions and the TrustZone Software solution, which implements the open TrustZone Software API.

"Operators and handset developers are increasingly motivated to create even more advanced features for mobile phones, such as one that would enable a phone to double as a credit card or a digital TV player, but they have to ensure that users and devices are adequately protected from external threats. Low costs and a rich ecosystem of services and applications is also high in the industry agenda," said Tiago Alves, TrustZone product manager, ARM. "ARM technology is at the heart of millions of secure, advanced digital products. With the broad availability of the TrustZone Software API, device developers can realize the full potential of the common TrustZone technology, which has already been demonstrated by the adoption and public endorsement of the technology from leading industry players from all parts of the value chain."

Availability

The TrustZone Software API can be downloaded from the ARM website at http://www.arm.com/trustzone. TrustZone Software is available now for licensing from ARM and the ARM TrustZone architecture extensions are implemented in the ARM1176JZ(F)-S(TM) processor. These extensions are an integral part of the ARM roadmap for application CPUs.

Editors' Notes:

The following leading companies are among those who endorse the TrustZone Software API technology:

Freescale

"Freescale innovation is at the heart of fully-integrated 2.5G and 3G cellular platforms, and handset manufacturers look to us to deliver robust, flexible, platform-independent security solutions that will work with a range of hardware or software configurations," said Berardino Baratta, director, Strategy Office, Wireless and Mobile Systems Group, Freescale Semiconductor. "As leaders in system level security applications, we have created complementary solutions that work efficiently with open APIs such as the ARM TrustZone framework. Solutions such as these deliver to the wireless developer ecosystem valuable environments for their development of secure, tamper-proof, digital rights management platforms quickly and effectively, regardless of handset type or operating system."

Infineon

"In order to enable next-generation mobile services, such as secure m-commerce, and to further improve the security level of mobile phones, Infineon is contributing its decades of security expertise, gained in the development and production of chip card ICs, combined with its expert know-how in mobile solutions," said Dominik Bilo, VP Group Marketing & Sales, Communications business group at Infineon Technologies AG. "Security threats to mobile devices are getting more imminent. This calls for a solid shielding against tampering within the mobile system. Using TrustZone technology further extends our advanced security concept for application-enhanced modems. The secure mode enabled by TrustZone technology complements the hardware-accelerated security features that Infineon's cellular baseband devices already provide."

Jaluna

"Through our introduction into ARM's collective initiative for open standard APIs, Jaluna, a virtual infrastructure software provider, will work to extend the TrustZone Software framework, enabling a whole range of advanced security solutions for mobile device users," said Michel Gien, CEO, Jaluna.

Microsoft

"The new TrustZone Software API provides a clear distinction between secure and non-secure information for mobile device users," said Jonas Hasselberg, group product manager, Microsoft Corp. Mobile & Embedded Devices Division. "Security is a priority for Microsoft, and we embrace applications that help grow confidence in the mobile ecosystem and enthusiasm for the industry as a whole."

NCipher

"ARM's TrustZone technology provides the ability to significantly improve the security of a wide range of consumer devices and now, by providing a common software framework and APIs it will become an important enabler of new and higher value services," said Richard Moulds, VP Marketing at nCipher. "The extensive use of cryptography within the TrustZone model is central to the protection of valuable content, authentication of devices and the ability to execute applications securely and nCipher is well positioned to leverage the TrustZone software framework and APIs to build robust and interoperable cryptographic services contributing to an even richer ecosystem."

NDS

"As a leader in digital content protection, NDS strongly supports the ARM TrustZone software technology. As digital content distribution expands both in volume and in value content owners expect a robust content protection technology enabling high-quality content rights to be secured and ensure that the use of such content will drive new revenues and profits," said Joseph Deutsch, director of business development, NDS. "By building our mobile DRM and DVB-H Conditional Access solutions on ARM TrustZone technology, we can continue providing trusted security, enabling operators to offer the rich mobile media content that consumers are demanding now."

Samsung

"Samsung is at the leading edge, driving innovations, technology standards and willing to provide unique security solutions that are in tune with our customer's needs and aligned with new industry trends", said Dr. Yun-Tae Lee, VP of Mobile Product Planning at Samsung Electronics' System LSI Division. "TrustZone technology is not only providing a foundation to build differentiated designs to solve real world problems such as Digital Rights Management, but it is also enabling software interoperability, robustness and development efficiencies through the adoption of the TrustZone Software and respective industry standard API. These facts make TrustZone technology one of the optimal security solutions for our mobile applications."

ST Microelectronics

"As an early adopter of ARM TrustZone technology for ST's Nomadik family of multimedia application processors, and given our strong commitment to open standards, we welcome the open ARM TrustZone Software API," said Patrice Meilland, marketing director of Application Processors and Portable Platforms division, STM. "Nomadik's leading-edge security features ensure a trusted environment for security-critical applications like Digital Rights Management, mobile payment transactions and enterprise applications. By providing a secure, yet interoperable solution, we can deliver platforms to our customers that are easily integrated."

Texas Instruments

"Securing handsets is critical for the mass deployment of applications and services that will be triggered by an increase in consumer confidence in using their handset for everyday activities such as entertainment, productivity or finances. ARM TrustZone Software provides standard-based, open and interoperable APIs that lower the cost and time of the development and deployment of secure and attractive services and applications," said Avner Goren, marketing director of TI's Cellular Systems Business. "Texas Instruments' M-Shield(TM) mobile security technology, the key security element of the OMAP(TM) platform and OMAP-Vox(TM) solutions together with ARM TrustZone Software exceeds the required level of security for handsets."

Trusted Logic

"Trusted Logic is proud to have contributed to the specification of the TrustZone Software API, which is the new industry standard for the software integration of embedded client/server security services. The TrustZone Software API provides a secure and broadband gateway to communicate with the TrustZone Software and other embedded security environments from a rich operating environment," said Dominique Bolignano, Trusted Logic CEO. "From now on, the TrustZone Software API is supported across the whole TL software product range, including our development and simulation tools."

Vodafone

"The key to driving forward the mobile industry is to inspire the consumer. We are focused on delivering mobile applications which inspire confidence in terms of quality of service and security," said Michael Walker, Group R&D director, Vodafone. "ARM TrustZone technology enables robust security implementations and advanced security applications, which can be developed in every platform to help raise the level of confidence in mobile security as a whole."

Wave Systems

"Wave Systems Corp. is focused on providing robust security solutions based on the open standards of the Trusted Computing Group," said Lark Allen, EVP, Wave Systems. "Traditionally, security in software has been achieved through proprietary, closed solutions, but the approach taken by ARM with their TrustZone architecture not only provides hardwave level security, which is critical for attaining strong protection, but also provides a standardized software environment, including their new APIs, which will make development much easier. ARM TrustZone technology provides an ideal security environment for supporting TCG solutions for cell phones and a wide range of embedded devices."

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lays at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. ARM1176JZ(F)-S and TrustZone are trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM"' is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; AXYS GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Physical IP, Inc.

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