Researchers design a graphene-based encrypted key for novel hardware security

Penn State researchers have designed a graphene-based way to make encrypted keys harder to crack, in an attempt to protect data in an age where more and more private data is stored and shared digitally. Current silicon technology exploits microscopic differences between computing components to create secure keys, but the team explains that artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be used to predict these keys and gain access to data.

Image credit: Jennifer McCann/Penn State

Led by Saptarshi Das, assistant professor of engineering science and mechanics, the researchers used graphene to develop a novel low-power, scalable, reconfigurable hardware security device with significant resilience to AI attacks.