Rijesh Panicker, Colonel KPM Das & Arindam Goswami
1. Introduction
Hardware supply chain security refers to the comprehensive set of measures, controls, and practices designed to protect the integrity, authenticity, and security of hardware components and systems throughout their lifecycle - from design and manufacturing to deployment and disposal. It has two fundamental concerns: First, the risk of disruption in hardware availability and functionality due to geopolitical events, natural disasters, or market fluctuations. Second, the risk of intentional compromise through the insertion of malicious components, backdoors, or vulnerabilities at any point in the supply chain.
This implies that hardware needs to be secured from cyber-attacks and hacks into supply chains. Design, planning sourcing and manufacturing are initial stages in the life cycle that needs to be maker-checker reviewed. The latter stages of quality, delivery, sustenance, and end-of-life are equally important. It also implies that technical and process choices made in these eight stages rely on secure, trusted technologies and components. It also requires that hardware supply chain security is an assurance outcome, a dynamic interplay between technology, process, and people pillars. Figure 1 below indicates the eight-stage sequential hardware supply chain construct with associated risks.
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