A new security platform approach blends hardware authentication with scalable cloud-based key management and firmware update services to help industrial and automotive developers address tightening cybersecurity regulations.
As cybersecurity rules tighten globally, embedded device manufacturers are under pressure to integrate stronger protection and lifecycle security into connected products. A new secure authentication platform by Microchip approach is designed to simplify compliance with emerging requirements across industrial and automotive systems while reducing the complexity of cryptographic key management and secure firmware updates.
The platform combines secure authentication hardware with optional cloud-based services that manage cryptographic keys, device identity and firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates across the product lifecycle. It is aimed at companies building connected industrial equipment and software-defined vehicle architectures that must meet evolving cybersecurity frameworks such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act and standards like IEC 62443, ISO/SAE 21434, and UNECE WP.29 automotive cybersecurity regulation.
The key features are:
- Factory-configured secure authentication ICs for hardware-based device identity
- Cloud-managed cryptographic key lifecycle and provisioning services
- Secure firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates for connected devices
- PKI-based authentication and encrypted device communications
- Security architecture designed for industrial systems and software-defined vehicles
The security architecture supports two deployment models. Developers with their own cloud infrastructure can use factory-configured authentication ICs for secure device identity and communication. Those without a dedicated security backend can instead rely on a managed service that provides cloud-based cryptographic key lifecycle management, device provisioning and authenticated firmware updates.
This flexibility allows manufacturers to embed security early in product development while simplifying certification processes and technical documentation. The platform also supports both factory provisioning and in-field provisioning of secure credentials, enabling a continuous chain of trust from manufacturing through deployment and operation.
In industrial environments, the solution enables public-key-infrastructure (PKI) authentication, encrypted communications, centralized device security management and authenticated firmware upgrades. For automotive systems, particularly software-defined vehicles, it enables scalable FOTA updates and cryptographic control so that only verified software and commands are accepted by electronic control units.
By combining secure hardware roots of trust with lifecycle key management and update services, the platform is intended to accelerate compliance-ready product development while helping manufacturers maintain security throughout a device’s operational life.
