"New Technique Offers Faster Security for Non-Volatile Memory Tech"

Researchers at North Carolina (NC) State University have developed a new method that uses hardware and software to strengthen file system security for next-generation memory technologies called Non-Volatile Memories (NVMs). Their encryption technique also supports faster performance than other software security technologies. According to Amro Awad, the senior author of the work and an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at NC State University, NVMs are described as an emerging technology that allows quick access to the data, and maintains data even in the event that a system crashes or loses power. However, the capabilities that make NVMs more attractive also make it difficult to encrypt files on NVM devices, thus increasing security concerns. Therefore, the researchers developed a technique to protect files on NVM devices without sacrificing speed. The team's method allows file-level encryption in fast NVM memories, while significantly decreasing the related execution time. There are two methods traditionally used by computers for data storage. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) enables quick access to stored data but will lose the data if the system crashes. On the other hand, long-term storage technologies, such as hard drives, retain data even if a system loses power but store the data in a way that makes it slower to access. Although NVMs combine both technologies' best features, securing files on NVM devices can be challenging. Existing file system encryption methods involve the use of software that is not particularly fast. This was not a problem because the technologies for accessing file data from long-term storage devices were not fast either. However, since NVMs allow faster access to file data, the software approach to file encryption has become a problem because it slows down operations. The team's novel architecture addresses this challenge by incorporating elements of encryption and decryption into hardware, which is faster than software. Implementing the architecture results in faster processes that allow users to securely store and retrieve data. This article continues to discuss the researchers' new encryption technique that provides faster security for non-volatile memory technology. 

NC State University reports "New Technique Offers Faster Security for Non-Volatile Memory Tech"