Securing FPGA Designs: Best Practices and Emerging Threats

The rapid pace of technological advancements is transforming industries, creating new opportunities for innovation while amplifying the need for robust FPGA security. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integral to this evolution, offering unmatched flexibility and performance across applications in defense, telecommunications, automotive, and healthcare. Their reprogrammability makes them ideal for adapting to changing requirements, but it also introduces security risks that cannot be ignored.

This blog takes an in-depth look at the importance of FPGA security, the evolving threat landscape, and actionable best practices. We will also explore how Fidus Systems—a trusted partner with over 20 years of experience and AMD Partner of the Year—ensures that FPGA designs are not only secure but also optimized for performance, reliability, and compliance.

By the end of this blog, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of why FPGA security is essential and how Fidus can help your organization succeed in a competitive market.

Why FPGA Security Matters for Your Business

FPGAs are pivotal in driving innovation across industries, from enabling autonomous vehicles to supporting cutting-edge healthcare devices and resilient communication networks. Their adaptability allows companies to stay competitive in a fast-changing market. However, this same adaptability creates vulnerabilities, making FPGAs a double-edged sword.

Business Risks of Insecure FPGAs

The Threat Landscape: Common Risks to FPGA Designs

The increasing reliance on FPGAs across industries has brought their security vulnerabilities into sharp focus. From tampered bitstreams to sophisticated cyberattacks, the risks are varied and growing in complexity. Understanding these threats is the first step toward building a resilient security strategy.

• Malware and Bitstream Tampering: The bitstream, which defines an FPGA’s functionality, is often a primary target for attackers. A tampered bitstream can embed malware that grants attackers unauthorized access to the device or even disrupts its operations entirely. For example, in industrial automation, an infected FPGA could lead to equipment failures, halting production lines and incurring significant costs.
• Supply Chain Attacks: In globalized supply chains, hardware components pass through multiple vendors and distributors before reaching end-users. This opens opportunities for malicious actors to introduce backdoors or tampered components during manufacturing or distribution. For instance, an attacker could insert a hardware Trojan into an FPGA intended for use in critical communication infrastructure, creating a covert access point for future exploitation.
• Side-Channel Attacks: Side-channel attacks exploit indirect information—such as power consumption or electromagnetic emissions—to extract sensitive data like cryptographic keys. These attacks are particularly dangerous in applications such as defense systems, where data integrity is paramount.
• Zero-Day Exploits and Ransomware: FPGA-based systems, like any connected technology, are not immune to ransomware and zero-day vulnerabilities. For instance, an attack could encrypt critical data on an FPGA, rendering the system unusable until a ransom is paid.

How Fidus Mitigates These Risks?

Unique Challenges in FPGA Security

The reprogrammable nature of FPGAs makes them incredibly versatile but also introduces unique security challenges. These vulnerabilities differentiate them from fixed-function hardware like ASICs and demand specialized security approaches.

Reprogrammability Risks

The reprogrammable nature of FPGAs is both their greatest strength and a significant security challenge. Unlike ASICs, where functionality is fixed at the manufacturing stage, FPGAs allow for post-deployment updates. This opens the door to risks such as:

• Unauthorized Modifications: Malicious actors could exploit reprogrammability to introduce unauthorized changes or malicious functionality.
• Insecure Updates: Without robust authentication, firmware updates could be intercepted or tampered with, compromising device integrity.

Mitigation with Secure Practices

Partial Reconfiguration for Security

Partial reconfiguration allows specific regions of an FPGA to be updated without disrupting the entire system. This feature enables security updates to be applied dynamically, addressing vulnerabilities as they arise.

• Downtime Minimization: Systems can remain operational while updates are applied.
• Enhanced Security: Targeted updates prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities, maintaining the system’s integrity.

Emerging Trends in FPGA Security

The dynamic nature of technology means that security threats are continually evolving. To stay ahead, businesses need to adopt innovative solutions that address both current and future vulnerabilities. Here are the most important trends shaping the future of FPGA security:

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Quantum computing poses a significant threat to traditional cryptographic methods. As quantum computers become more advanced, they will be capable of breaking encryption algorithms that are currently considered secure.

AI-Driven Threat Detection

Artificial intelligence is transforming the cybersecurity landscape. AI systems can monitor FPGA devices for anomalies, identify potential threats in real-time, and respond faster than traditional security measures.

Secure Software Upgrades

The ability to securely update devices in the field is crucial for maintaining long-term security. However, these updates must be protected against tampering to ensure the integrity of the system. Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) play a critical role in securing these updates, allowing businesses to address vulnerabilities without risking further compromise.

Zero-Trust Architectures

Industry-Specific Adaptations

Different industries require tailored security approaches. For example:

Fidus is actively involved in integrating these emerging technologies into FPGA designs, ensuring clients benefit from forward-thinking solutions that address both present and future challenges.

Fidus’ Multi-Layered Approach to FPGA Security

Designing secure FPGA systems requires a holistic strategy that addresses vulnerabilities at every stage, from concept to deployment. Fidus Systems employs a comprehensive, multi-layered security framework that combines technical rigor, best practices, and industry-specific expertise.

• Secure Design Practices: Security begins in the design phase. Fidus incorporates secure coding standards, hardware partitioning, and IP obfuscation to ensure sensitive components are protected from the outset. For example, our designs for defense clients include partitioning sensitive functions to prevent lateral attacks, ensuring that even if one part of the system is compromised, critical operations remain secure.
• Advanced Bitstream Encryption: Bitstreams define FPGA functionality and are a common target for attackers. Fidus uses advanced encryption standards, such as AES-256, to ensure bitstreams cannot be tampered with or intercepted. This encryption is complemented by authentication protocols that verify the integrity of the bitstream before execution.
• Secure Boot Protocols: Fidus integrates secure boot mechanisms into FPGA systems to prevent unauthorized firmware from being executed. By ensuring only authenticated software runs on the device, secure boot mitigates the risk of malware and unauthorized access.
• Hardware Isolation and Segmentation: Isolation techniques are critical for applications that combine sensitive and non-sensitive functions. Fidus implements hardware isolation to segregate critical operations, protecting them from unauthorized access or interference. For example, in telecommunications systems, secure encryption modules are isolated from general-purpose processing components to prevent potential breaches.
• Real-Time Monitoring and AI Integration: Fidus incorporates AI-driven monitoring tools that continuously analyze FPGA performance, looking for anomalies or potential intrusions. This proactive approach allows for immediate responses to emerging threats, reducing downtime and maintaining system integrity.

Explore this topic further in our on-demand webinar:
👉 Secure Boot in Embedded Systems: The Foundation of Device Security

Case Studies: Real-World Applications of Fidus’ Expertise

Fidus Systems has a proven track record of delivering secure, high-performance FPGA solutions across industries. Below are detailed examples showcasing how we’ve tackled complex security challenges for our clients.

Solution:
Fidus implemented a multi-layered security approach:

• Bitstream Encryption: Leveraging AES-256 encryption, Fidus secured the design files, ensuring they could not be accessed or altered during production.
• Secure Boot Protocols: Authenticated firmware was integrated, ensuring only verified software could operate on the FPGA-based systems.
• Hardware Partitioning: Critical ADAS functionalities, such as object recognition and collision avoidance, were isolated from less sensitive components, reducing the attack surface.

Outcome:
The client achieved full compliance with automotive safety regulations while safeguarding their intellectual property from tampering or theft during manufacturing. This approach enhanced the company’s reputation as a secure, innovative ADAS provider.

Solution:
Fidus designed a custom FPGA architecture incorporating:

• Zero-Trust Security: All components of the system operated on a least-privilege model, ensuring that only authenticated entities could interact with sensitive data.
• Real-Time Monitoring: AI-powered monitoring tools were deployed to detect anomalies and prevent unauthorized access in real time.
• Hardware Isolation: Critical encryption keys and sensitive network data were segregated, ensuring that any compromise of general-purpose components could not affect core operations.

Outcome:
The client launched their 5G infrastructure with confidence, supported by a secure FPGA platform that met global telecommunications standards. Their network achieved unmatched resilience against both cyberattacks and physical threats.

Solution:

Fidus implemented a tailored solution:

• Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs): Integrated to secure the device update process, ensuring firmware authenticity and preventing tampering.
• Dynamic Encryption: All data transmitted and stored was encrypted using industry-leading standards, safeguarding sensitive patient information.
• Secure Boot: This feature ensured that only verified firmware could operate on the devices, reducing risks associated with unauthorized updates.

Outcome:

The medical devices launched successfully, exceeding regulatory requirements. The client gained a competitive edge by offering secure, reliable devices that ensured patient safety and data integrity.

Conclusion: Why Fidus is Your Trusted Partner for FPGA Security

FPGA security is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a critical requirement for businesses that want to lead in their industries. From protecting intellectual property to ensuring compliance with stringent regulations, secure FPGA systems are essential for maintaining trust, reducing risks, and achieving operational excellence.

Fidus Systems brings unmatched expertise to the table, offering solutions that are not only secure but also tailored to your specific industry and application. With over 20 years of experience and recognition as AMD Partner of the Year, Fidus is the partner you can trust to deliver first-time-right FPGA designs.

Key Takeaways for Decision-Makers

• Proactive Security Saves Costs: Investing in security during the design phase is more cost-effective than addressing vulnerabilities post-deployment.
• Tailored Solutions Ensure Success: Different industries face unique challenges, and Fidus’ expertise ensures that your FPGA systems meet both technical and business needs.
• Future-Proof Your Designs: By integrating emerging technologies like post-quantum cryptography and AI-driven threat detection, Fidus helps you stay ahead of evolving threats.

Future Trends in FPGA Security

• Quantum-Resistant Algorithms: As quantum computing advances, FPGAs must integrate algorithms that can withstand quantum-based attacks. These developments will safeguard systems against long-term data breaches.
• AI-Driven Predictive Security: Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in detecting and mitigating threats before they impact FPGA systems. Predictive models will help identify potential vulnerabilities and automate responses.
• Enhanced Collaboration with Industry Partners: Partnerships like Fidus’ collaboration with AMD demonstrate the importance of shared expertise in addressing complex security challenges.

Next Steps: Build Secure, Build Confident

Are you ready to secure your next FPGA project? Fidus offers comprehensive support from concept to deployment, ensuring your designs are optimized for security, performance, and compliance.

Let’s discuss your project and explore how Fidus can help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance existing systems or develop cutting-edge FPGA solutions, we’re here to make it happen.