A turning point for network security with the Intel® Transparent Supply Chain initiative
Media coverage of cyber attacks in recent years have turned the public’s attention towards enhancing network security. While most of these high-profile intrusions were the result of software-based attacks, a more concerning threat lurks behind the scenes: hardware compromises. Research data shows that around 16 percent of companies purchased counterfeit hardware equipment from 2006 to 2008.
To address the potential security vulnerabilities, congress and President Obama enacted strict sourcing and documentation regulations for all Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) purchases and DFARS contractors. Other commercial and private enterprises began to follow suit in order to reduce the risk of hardware becoming a potential attack vector.
These new standards and policies, such needing direct sourcing from manufacturers or authorized distributors, can become a barrier to entry for integrators and ISVs who cannot undertake the added administrative burden. Now, Intel has sought to make it easier. Their new Transparent Supply Chain initiative will automatically provide the needed sourcing documentation in the form of a digitally-signed statement of conformance (SoC). This document also contains as-built reports for every component of the hardware element as it is being assembled. Forthose who want to take the extra step, Intel developed a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that digitally verifies authentication information on boot. Efforts like these ensure that the hardware is genuine and that all of its firmware is uncompromised.
Currently, the Transparent Supply Chain initiative only applies to Intel server motherboards, but we expect the program to soon expand to other main server components like processors, hard drives, memory, power supplies and more.
Learn more about the Transparent Supply Chain in our brand-new white paper
UNICOM Engineering has done the homework on Transparent Supply Chain, and we compiled all the most relevant, specific information ISVs could want in order to get up to speed. Learn about the potential for Intel’s Transparent Supply Chain initiative to lead the way for a future with more secure server environments than ever before, and discover how Global Value Integration partners like UNICOM Engineering can guide you through new trails as they are blazed.
Click on the button below to download your FREE copy of “Becoming a Part of the Transparent Supply Chain with UNICOM Engineering and Intel.”
