The smallest secure computer flies in space

WithSecure’s USB armory is the world’s smallest secure computer. It’s used in many different applications by organizations all over the world, and now, beyond.

MAPHEUS, or Material Physics

Experiments in Zero Gravity, is a program operated by the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) Materials Physics in Space and Aerospace Medicine institutes, and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA).

Their latest mission, MAPHEUS-13, was launched on May 22, 2023 to conduct experiments on 3D printing components made of metal in zero gravity, the response of molten alloys to weightlessness, healing processes in the central nervous system or brain in reduced/increased gravity, and more.

Included in the mission as a part of Experiment 007 EV2 was WithSecure’s USB armory to assess its security framework and capabilities for protecting data produced by experiments. Specifically, it aimed to assess post- quantum cryptography for secure key exchange in a trusted execution environment running on a USB armory.

- We were looking for a solution to extend our real-time systems in Experiment 007 with a secure compute system that allows us to integrate computing power for more advanced algorithms, data analysis, and standard software in a neat, lean, and secure way. The USB armory proved to be small, versatile, and powerful enough to fit our requirements. In the long run we will extend the use of TamaGo, GoTEE and Linux to enable complex data analysis and AI/ML use-cases for the scientists at DLR in-flight,” said DLR partner and Chief Security Architect at adesso SE Christian Kahlo.

The USB armory is an open-sourced, single board computer with a unique form factor and capabilities. It has been used in a variety of applications, including encrypted storage solutions, hardware security modules (HSM), enhanced smart cards, electronic vaults , key escrow services, and more.

Photonics Is A 2 Billion Euro Business In Finland

According to the recent Photonics Industry in Finland survey, the industry’s estimated turnover in Finland exceeds two billion euros. Compared to the previous study conducted in 2020, the photonics industry has grown by more than 50 percent. There are about 300 purely photonics companies which employ more than 6,000 experts in the field.

-> etn.fi/15054

QUANTUM-AS-A-SERVICE?

UK-based quantum computer developer OQC will install its hardware in an Equinix data center, allowing direct access to OQC's quantum computer using the Equinix Fabric service. Finnish customers will be able to run complex algorithms and test different use cases remotely, without direct access to the hardware itself.

-> etn.fi/15047

Renesas Acquired Panthronics

Renesas has completed the acquisition of Panthronics AG, the Austrian fabless semiconductor company specializing in NFC solutions. The acquisition provides Renesas with in-house capability to instantly capture the growing market opportunities for NFC. -> etn.fi/15044.

Secure Linux To The Edge

NXP Semiconductors has announced the i.MX 91 applications processor family. Building on more than two decades of developing multimarket applications processors, the i.MX 91 family delivers an optimized blend of the security, features, and energy-efficient performance required for the next generation of Linux-based IoT and industrial applications. The i.MX 91 processor features an Arm Cortex-A55 running at up to 1.4 Ghz plus support for modern LPDDR4 memory and dual Gigabit Ethernet for gateway applications. -> etn.fi/15024.