Unique Locks on Microchips Could Reduce Hardware Piracy

[HardOCP News]

Computer engineers at the University of Michigan and Rice University have devised a comprehensive way to combat hardware piracy; using a unique lock and key for each processor.

The technique is called EPIC, short for Ending Piracy of Integrated Circuits. It relies on established cryptography methods and introduces subtle changes into the chip design process. But it does not affect the chips' performance or power consumption.

 

[Killa|3yte]

How do you pirate hardware? Did someone develop a Star Trek style replicator? Did I miss something?

 

[L33t Masta]

It's more of a counterfeit kind.

 

[Loki008]

How do you pirate hardware? Did someone develop a Star Trek style replicator? Did I miss something?

Manufacturers in china will create knock off chips much like you can buy a Bolex watch or a Grucci handbag. And sell them as the real thing. Not so much a problem in the US, but in asia its quite a problem i have heard.