InCipher: A Reconfigurable Processor for Cryptographic Protection of Software Binaries

Athena's response to the challenge of creating a high-quality instruction set cipher that does not substantially impact the performance of the native processor is called InCipher. Use of InCipher enabled processors will harden the software binaries againstreverse engineering and unauthorized use by adversaries. InCipher will prove invaluable for protecting both the software that is at the heart of many of our most effective fielded systems, and for the high performance computing codes that embody theunique, collected knowledge of the government, and enable the creation of the next generation of fielded defense systems. Athena will market the InCipher technology to both military and commercial consumers, focusing initially on military applications.Nearly all military electronics could employ the InCipher protection for their sensitive software components. This is especially true of battlefield systems and portable weaponry likely to be exposed to reverse engineering attempts. In the commercialsector, security for electronics devices is woefully inadequate. Loss of nearly any commercial electronics product leads to complete exposure of all stored data. The adaptation of the InCipher technology, initially developed for military purposes, tocommercial applications will make data security affordable and convenient for the next generation of commercial electronics devices.