Confidential Computing Consortium

At the heart of cybersecurity, the CIA triad is a model designed to guide policies for information security within an organization. It consists of three fundamental principles:

Confidentiality: Ensures that sensitive information is accessed only by authorized parties and is protected against unauthorized access. Techniques such as data encryption, secure authentication, and access controls are employed to maintain confidentiality.

Integrity: Guarantees that information is reliable and accurate, safeguarding it from unauthorized modification. Integrity is upheld through mechanisms like checksums, cryptographic hashes, and digital signatures, ensuring that data remains unaltered from its original state unless modified by authorized entities.

Availability: Ensures that information and resources are available to authorized users when needed. This involves protecting against attacks that disrupt access to resources, such as DDoS attacks, and implementing disaster recovery plans to maintain service continuity.

Confidential Computing (CC) enhances the traditional CIA triad by focusing on protecting data in use—complementing existing measures that protect data at rest and in transit. By leveraging hardware-based security mechanisms such as Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), CC enables sensitive data to be processed in isolated environments, thus offering a unique opportunity to reexamine and reinforce the principles of the CIA triad in modern computing scenarios.

Aligning with the CIA Triad

Confidentiality in Confidential Computing: The essence of Confidential Computing lies in its ability to ensure that data being processed remains confidential, even in shared or cloud environments. Through technologies like Intel SGX and TDX, AMD SEV-SNP, and ARM CCA provide hardware-based, attested Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) which protect from unauthorized access, including operators of cloud services.

Integrity in Confidential Computing: CC technologies also play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of data and code execution. Confidential Computing allows for the verification of software and data integrity before execution, ensuring that only authorized code runs within TEEs. This is instrumental in preventing unauthorized modifications and ensuring that computations are performed accurately.

Availability in Confidential Computing: While confidentiality and integrity are the primary focus of Confidential Computing, it also contributes to availability by enhancing the overall security posture. By mitigating the risk of data breaches and ensuring the integrity of computing processes, CC supports the uninterrupted availability of services, fostering trust and reliability in digital ecosystems.

Confidential Computing: A Journey Through the CIA Triad

Confidential Computing (CC) stands as a pivotal advancement in the realm of cybersecurity, offering robust mechanisms to protect data in use and reinforcing the principles of the CIA triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—in novel and powerful ways. There are several key takeaways emerge:

Confidential Computing enhances the traditional CIA triad by introducing protections for data in use, alongside existing measures for data at rest and in transit. The evolution of CC technologies demonstrates a concerted effort to address the complexities of modern computing environments, ensuring that sensitive data can be processed securely and reliably.

Integrity and confidentiality are paramount in CC, with innovations providing mechanisms for verifying the authenticity and safeguarding the privacy of data during processing.

Availability, while indirectly impacted by CC, benefits from the improved security posture that CC technologies bring to digital infrastructures, supporting the reliability and accessibility of services.

As the landscape of digital threats continues to evolve, so too will the technologies and strategies employed to counter them. Confidential Computing represents a forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity, promising to play a crucial role in safeguarding the future of digital information processing.

Further Reading and Resources

To further explore the concepts and technologies discussed, the following resources serve as a starting point for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Confidential Computing and its significance in today’s cybersecurity landscape. By engaging with these materials, you’ll gain a more nuanced appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that Confidential Computing presents:

1. The Confidential Computing Consortium: An initiative by the Linux Foundation, this consortium brings together industry leaders to collaborate on open-source projects and standards for Confidential Computing.

2. NIST on Confidential Computing: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides resources and publications that address the technical aspects and standards related to Confidential Computing.

Authored by Sal Kimmich

Blog Post

As we continue our exploration of Confidential Computing, this week we focus on a crucial aspect that is often the unsung hero of technological advancement: open source. Specifically, we’ll examine how open-source initiatives are contributing significantly to the development and implementation of Confidential Computing.

Open Source: A Foundation for Innovation

Open-source software is built on the principle of collaboration and transparency. It allows developers from around the world to contribute to and review each other’s code, fostering innovation and rapid problem-solving. This collaborative approach is particularly beneficial in the realm of cybersecurity, where the sharing of knowledge and resources is key to staying ahead of threats.

Open Source in Confidential Computing

In the context of Confidential Computing, open source plays a pivotal role. Open-source projects provide the foundation for many Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) and other secure computing technologies. By leveraging open-source software, developers can create more robust, secure, and versatile solutions for data protection.

Advantages of Open Source in Security

One of the main advantages of open source in the field of Confidential Computing is transparency. Open-source code can be inspected by anyone, which means vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed more quickly than in proprietary software. This transparency builds trust and reliability, essential components in any security solution.

Linux: A Testament to Open-Source Success

Reflecting on the impact of open source, we can’t overlook Linux, released in 1991 and now a cornerstone of open-source software. Linux’s success demonstrates how collaborative efforts can lead to robust and widely-used technology solutions. It’s a testament to the power of open-source communities in driving innovation.

Challenges and Opportunities

While open source offers many benefits, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of coordination and quality control. However, these challenges are often outweighed by the opportunities for innovation and the rapid development cycle that open source enables.

Looking Ahead

As Confidential Computing continues to evolve, the role of open source will undoubtedly expand. Open-source communities will continue to be vital in developing secure, efficient, and adaptable solutions for data protection in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Next Week’s Focus

Join us next week as we delve into the intricacies of data encryption in Confidential Computing. We’ll explore how encryption techniques are being enhanced and applied in new ways to protect data not just at rest and in transit, but also during processing.

Explore the four-part series on Confidential Computing—a vital innovation for data privacy and security. Dive in now!

Part I –  Introduction to Confidential Computing:  A Year Long Exploration

Part II – The Evolution of Cybersecurity:  From Early Threats to Modern Challenges

Part III– Basics of Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs):  The Heart of Confidential Computing

Authored by Sal Kimmich

As we continue our journey through the world of Confidential Computing, it’s essential to understand the backdrop against which this technology has emerged. This week, we delve into the evolution of cybersecurity, tracing its journey from the early days of computing to the sophisticated landscape we navigate today.

The Early Days of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity, in its infancy, was a game of cat and mouse between emerging technologies and the threats that shadowed them. The earliest computers, massive and isolated, faced minimal security concerns. However, as technology advanced and computers became interconnected, the need for robust cybersecurity measures became apparent.

The Birth of Computer Viruses and Antivirus Software

The 1980s marked a significant turning point with the advent of the first computer viruses. Among these early threats was the Brain virus, which led to the creation of the first antivirus software in 1987. This was a pivotal moment, signaling the start of an ongoing battle against cyber threats.

The Internet Era and Its Challenges

The explosion of the internet in the 1990s and early 2000s brought cybersecurity to the forefront. The connectivity that empowered businesses and individuals also opened up new vulnerabilities. Viruses, worms, and later, sophisticated malware, posed significant risks, leading to the development of more advanced cybersecurity solutions.

The Rise of Cybercrime

As technology continued to evolve, so did the nature of threats. Cybercrime became a lucrative business, with hackers targeting not just computers but entire networks. Data breaches, identity theft, and ransomware attacks became common, causing significant financial and reputational damage to individuals and organizations.

The Current Landscape: A Complex Battlefield

Today, cybersecurity is an intricate field, encompassing everything from endpoint security to network defenses, and now, Confidential Computing. The threats have become more sophisticated, leveraging AI and machine learning, making proactive and advanced defense mechanisms essential.

Confidential Computing: A New Frontier in Cybersecurity

This brings us to Confidential Computing – a response to the modern need for enhanced data protection. As we’ve seen, cybersecurity is no longer just about preventing unauthorized access; it’s about ensuring data integrity and confidentiality at every stage, including during processing.

Looking Ahead

The evolution of cybersecurity is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of technology. As we continue to innovate, so too will the methods to protect our digital assets. Confidential Computing is part of this ongoing evolution, representing the next step in securing our digital future.

A Fun Reminder of Our Journey

Reflecting on this evolution, it’s fascinating to think that the journey from the Brain virus to today’s sophisticated cyber threats led to the birth of an entire industry. The first antivirus software in 1987 was just the beginning of what has become a critical and ever-evolving field.

Stay Tuned

Next week, we’ll dive deeper into the world of Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), a cornerstone of Confidential Computing. Join us as we explore how TEEs provide a secure space for data processing, marking a significant advancement in our quest for cybersecurity.

Explore the four-part series on Confidential Computing—a vital innovation for data privacy and security. Dive in now!

Part I –  Introduction to Confidential Computing:  A Year Long Exploration

Part III– Basics of Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs):  The Heart of Confidential Computing

Part IV– Collaborative Security:  The Role of Open Source in Confidential Computing

Authored by Sal Kimmich

Welcome to the first blog Confidential Computing Consortium blog series to help new members navigate the transformative landscape of Confidential Computing, a crucial advancement in safeguarding data privacy and security.

What is Confidential Computing?

Confidential Computing is a cutting-edge approach that protects data in use by encrypting it within Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs). These secure areas of a processor ensure data is inaccessible to other applications, the operating system, and even cloud providers, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access or leaks during processing. This technology is foundational in addressing the critical challenge of protecting data throughout its lifecycle, offering a new dimension of security for our digital world.

The Significance

In an era where data privacy concerns are paramount, Confidential Computing emerges as a vital solution. It enables businesses and individuals to compute with confidence, knowing their data remains secure and private, even in shared infrastructure environments. This technology fosters trust and facilitates secure data collaboration, unlocking new possibilities in cloud computing and beyond.

Our Journey Ahead

This blog series will explore these topics (and many more!):

1. The Evolution of Confidential Computing

2. Insights into Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs)

3. The Vital Role of Open Source in Confidential Computing

We’ll examine its transformative impact across industries, its pivotal role in emerging technologies, and how it underpins secure, data-driven innovations. This exploration is designed for tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone curious about the next frontier in digital security.

Learn more with Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

The Confidential Computing Consortium (CCC) champions this technology through collaborative efforts, including Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These SIGs are integral to: SIG meetings are open to everyone, emphasizing the consortium’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. There’s no membership requirement to join these discussions, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in contributing to or learning more about confidential computing.

Be Part of the Movement

By joining our journey, you become a part of a community dedicated to advancing confidential computing. This series promises to deepen your understanding and provide resources that can be easily shared for collaborative efforts driving this technology forward.

Stay tuned as we reveal the fascinating world of Confidential Computing, and it’s critical role in privacy-enhancing technologies. If there is any topic you would love us to cover in this series, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to skimmich@contractor.linuxfoundation.org. 

Explore the four-part series on Confidential Computing—a vital innovation for data privacy and security. Dive in now!

Part II – The Evolution of Cybersecurity:  From Early Threats to Modern Challenges

Part III– Basics of Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs):  The Heart of Confidential Computing

Part IV– Collaborative Security:  The Role of Open Source in Confidential Computing

By Sal Kimmich

The Confidential Computing DevRoom at FOSDEM brought together experts and enthusiasts to discuss and demystify the rapidly evolving field of Confidential Computing. The event was a melting pot of ideas, showcasing the latest advancements, practical applications, and the future direction of this technology.

 Kickoff: Unveiling the Essence of Confidential Computing

The DevRoom opened with Fritz Alder, Jo Van Bulk, and Fabiano Fidencio welcoming attendees and setting the stage for the day’s discussions. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the Confidential Computing Consortium (CCC) definition, highlighting key properties such as data confidentiality, integrity, and code integrity. The conversation also touched on contextual properties like code confidentiality, authenticated launch, and attestability, underscoring the diversity in application needs and security requirements.

Intel TDX: A Leap Towards VM Isolation

Dr. Benny Fuhry took the stage to deep dive into Intel Trusted Domain Extensions (TDX), presenting it as a groundbreaking approach to VM isolation. Intel TDX stands out by ensuring that each trust domain is encrypted with a unique key, a move aimed at mitigating Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) attacks. With general availability announced alongside the 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, Intel TDX is set to revolutionize memory confidentiality, integrity, and key management.

Watch this talk. 

 SGX-STEP: Enhancing Side Channel Attack Resolution

The SGX-STEP presentation from Luca Wilke spotlighted innovative techniques to counteract side-channel attacks, still a concern in the realm of Confidential Computing. Through detailed explanations of single stepping, interrupt counting, and amplification, the speakers shed light on improving temporal resolution for side-channel attacks, presenting a clear path toward more secure environments that could be used in Confidential Computing and beyond. 

Watch this talk. 

Database Security: Bridging Confidential Computing and Data Storage

Ilaria Battiston and Lotte Felius delved into the integration of confidential computing with database systems, presenting their research on secure databases. They discussed the performance overhead of utilizing SGX with SQLite and PostgreSQL, emphasizing the trade-offs between security and efficiency with preliminary results. Their work on minimizing performance impacts through vectorized processing inside secure enclaves provided valuable insights for developers aiming to secure database operations.

Watch this talk. 

Ups and Downs of Running Enclaves in Production

Evervault’s presentation from Cian Butler highlighted their innovative solutions for data security and compliance, focusing on encryption proxies and secure serverless functions. They discussed the challenges of monitoring and observability within AWS Nitro enclaves, showcasing their efforts to enhance reliability and performance in secure computing environments.

Watch this talk. 

 fTPM: Securing Embedded Systems

Tymoteusz Burak introduced the concept of fTPM implemented as a Trusted Application in ARM TrustZone, offering a compelling solution for enhancing the security of embedded systems. Despite challenges such as lack of secure storage and entropy sources, fTPM stands as a testament to the potential of leveraging Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) for robust security measures.

Watch this talk.

Integrity Protected Workloads 

The presentation by Tom Dohrmann on Mushroom offered an insightful look into securing Linux workloads using AMD’s SEV-SNP technology. With a clear goal to run Linux programs securely, Mushroom addresses the critical need for integrity in remote code compilation on untrusted hosts. The architecture of Mushroom, built with a focus on minimalism and security, comprises a kernel and a supervisor, both developed in Rust, emphasizing efficiency and reduced host interaction. 

Watch this talk. 

Reproducible Builds For Confidential Computing

The talk by Malte Poll and Paul Meyer delved into a critical aspect of Confidential Computing: the validation of Trusted Computing Base (TCB) measurements through remote attestation and the importance of reproducible builds in this process. The presentation highlighted the challenges in the current landscape, where reference values for validating TCB measurements are often provided by third parties without transparent mechanisms for auditing their trustworthiness or origin. Advocating for an auditable CC ecosystem, the speakers emphasized the necessity for every component of the TCB to be open source and reproducible, allowing end-users to verify the deployed system comprehensively. Utilizing mkosi and Nix(OS), they showcased how to build fully reproducible OS images from source code to reference values for remote attestation, providing a foundation for projects like Constellation and the Confidential Containers project. This approach aims to enhance the trust and security in Confidential Computing by enabling the community to independently verify reference values, marking a significant step towards more transparent and secure computing environments.

Watch this talk. 

 Advancing Remote Attestation

Ionut Mihalcea and Thomas Fossati showed us the development and importance of remote attestation covered milestones from the formation of TCPA to the latest advancements in RATS EAT. This narrative underscored the critical role of remote attestation in establishing trust and preserving privacy within confidential computing frameworks.

Watch this Talk

FOSDEM: The Broader Impact 

FOSDEM concluded with a roundup of various DevRooms, highlighting the interconnectedness of confidential computing with other domains such as energy, community development, and monitoring. Special attention was given to the EU’s new open-source cloud initiative, IPCEI-CIS, showcasing the commitment to leveraging open-source solutions for enhancing security and privacy.

A Special Thank You

As we reflect on all the experiences and exchanges at FOSDEM, we want to share a special note of gratitude to all participants of the Decrypted Gathering – one that we received directly from the catering team who worked with us that night:

“

I catered your event and I have to thank you for having been the most respectful and polite clients I’ve ever seen… And I of course thank you for working for such a noble cause that is data protection and open OS.

Thank you for existing and you can congratulate all the persons present. It was unseen and so heartwarming for me/us. 

All the best,

Lauréline

”

Confidential computing is unique. It’s the kind of work that anyone can understand the value of, as soon as you explain the kind of data we try to keep private. Personalized medicine, space technology, and energy grids are all parts of Confidential Computing’s emerging sectors. 

I’m incredibly grateful to have a growing community of engineers, academics and technology giants all coming together around this work. Thank you to everyone who is helping us to bring Confidential Computing to the center stage of this year. 

Want to Get Involved with CCC? 

If you are still looking to get involved with the Confidential Computing Consortium, you can find more resources about our technical committees and institutional memberships here. All of our technical committee meetings are open to the public, and recorded for all to view. We welcome anyone who wants to join in on the conversations around Confidential Computing.

If there’s a concept or clarification from these talks you believe is important to share with the CCC community, get in touch with me at skimmich@contractor.linuxfoundation.org and we’ll help you do write it up as a blog post or webinar, and get the information out to everyone.