As cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication, embedded computing platforms have become a prime target for adversaries seeking to compromise critical systems. From defense and aerospace platforms to industrial and communications infrastructure, embedded systems increasingly rely on high-performance commercial hardware that was not originally designed with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. To address these risks, Idaho Scientific developed the Keystone Security Architecture, a comprehensive security framework built to protect embedded systems through coordinated, hardware-aware protection mechanisms.
The Security Challenges Facing Embedded Systems
Embedded platforms today frequently use Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components such as x86 processors, NVMe storage, and standard firmware architectures. While these technologies provide performance, scalability, and cost efficiency, they also introduce well-documented vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in BIOS or UEFI firmware, compromise boot processes, manipulate storage devices, or persist undetected below the operating system level.
Traditional cybersecurity tools—such as antivirus software or network firewalls—are often ineffective in these environments. Embedded systems require security controls that operate at the lowest layers of the hardware and firmware stack. Without these protections, attackers may gain long-term access, steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or undermine mission-critical capabilities. Keystone Security Architecture is designed specifically to counter these threats by embedding trust and enforcement directly into the computing platform.
Overview of Keystone Security Architecture
Keystone Security Architecture is a federated security framework that coordinates protection across distributed embedded systems. Instead of relying on a single security component or software layer, Keystone distributes security responsibility across the platform while maintaining centralized oversight. This design allows the system to remain resilient even when individual components are isolated or operating independently.
The architecture is built around two core elements:
- The Keystone Broker
- Keystone Agents
Together, these components form a scalable and adaptable security ecosystem capable of enforcing policies, detecting threats, and protecting critical assets across diverse embedded environments.
The Keystone Broker: Centralized Policy and Control
The Keystone Broker acts as the central authority within the security architecture. It serves as the system’s trusted coordinator, maintaining the definitive security policy and managing interactions between all connected components. The Broker may be implemented as a dedicated hardware module or as a secure software component running on a central processor, depending on system requirements.
The Broker’s primary responsibility is to ensure consistency and integrity across the platform’s security posture. It validates identities, enforces policy decisions, and coordinates secure communications between Keystone Agents. By acting as a single source of truth, the Broker ensures that all participating components operate under a unified and trusted security model.
In addition, the Broker supports secure system maintenance, updates, and lifecycle management. This capability allows administrators to apply updates and changes without exposing the system to unauthorized access or malicious modification.
Keystone Agents: Distributed Security Enforcement
Keystone Agents are security-enhanced processing elements deployed throughout the embedded system. These Agents are typically integrated into COTS hardware such as single-board computers, controllers, or intelligent subsystems. Each Agent enforces security locally, protecting the component it governs from compromise and unauthorized behavior.
A defining strength of Keystone Agents is their ability to function both under centralized control and independently. While Agents commonly rely on the Broker for authoritative policy decisions, they are also capable of operating autonomously when necessary. This enables secure operation in distributed or disconnected environments where a central controller may not always be available.
Agents can also engage in peer-to-peer interactions with other Agents, allowing them to share security context and coordinate responses. This distributed intelligence increases resilience and ensures that security remains active even in degraded or contested operating conditions.
Core Security Capabilities
Keystone Security Architecture integrates several critical security capabilities that address common attack vectors in embedded systems.
Firmware and Boot Protection
Low-level firmware attacks are among the most dangerous threats to embedded platforms. Keystone protects BIOS and UEFI firmware by ensuring that only authenticated and trusted code can execute during the boot process. This prevents attackers from establishing persistence beneath the operating system.
Processor and Platform Hardening
Keystone Agents include protections designed specifically for modern x86-based architectures. These measures help mitigate known vulnerabilities, reduce attack surfaces, and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive processor features.
Storage and NVMe Security
Storage devices are often targeted to extract data or implant malicious firmware. Keystone integrates controls that protect storage access, validate integrity, and safeguard sensitive information stored on NVMe and similar devices.
Zero-Day and N-Day Threat Detection
Keystone is designed to identify abnormal behavior that may indicate both previously unknown (zero-day) and recently disclosed (N-day) vulnerabilities. By monitoring system behavior and enforcing trusted execution, Keystone helps detect and contain threats before they escalate.
Trusted Maintenance and Updates
Applying updates to embedded systems can introduce risk if not handled securely. Keystone enables trusted maintenance workflows that ensure only verified updates and patches are applied, preserving system integrity while maintaining operational readiness.
A Flexible Architecture for Modern Threats
One of the most significant advantages of Keystone Security Architecture is its flexibility. The framework can scale from a single embedded component to a complex, distributed system of interconnected devices. Its ability to support both centralized and decentralized operation makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including defense platforms, industrial control systems, and secure communications infrastructure.
By embedding security directly into hardware and firmware layers, Keystone provides a strong foundation for long-term system trust. Rather than reacting to threats after compromise, it proactively enforces protection where attacks are most difficult to detect and mitigate.
Conclusion
Keystone Security Architecture represents a modern approach to embedded system security—one that recognizes the limitations of traditional cybersecurity tools and addresses threats at their root. Through its combination of a centralized Broker and distributed Agents, Keystone delivers resilient, scalable, and high-assurance protection for today’s most critical computing platforms. For organizations that depend on trusted embedded systems, Keystone offers a forward-looking solution built to withstand both current and emerging cyber threats.
