Security meets nanoelectronics for Internet of things applications

The internet of things (IoT) is quickly emerging as the next major domain for embedded computer systems. Although the term IoT could be defined in a variety of different ways, IoT always encompasses typically ordinary devices (e.g., thermostats and kitchen appliances) augmented with computational power that allows regular communication via the internet. Given the simplicity of typical IoT devices, their on-board computer systems must also be simple in the sense that they be small and consume minimal power. However, the IoT itself presents new privacy and security concerns that must be considered when designing IoT devices. In order to provide robust security with minimal area and power overhead, it is the premise of this paper that IoT security be implemented using nanoelectronic security primitives and nano-enabled security protocols. Such nanoscale security primitives are expected to utilize a very small amount of area and consume a negligible amount of power, all while providing the required levels of security. This paper presents some examples of nanoelectronic security primitives and discusses how such circuits and systems can be of use for inclusion in emerging IoT devices.