● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Defcon 32 Badges Feature Open-Source Baochip-1x for Verifiable Hardware Security
Key points
- Defcon 32 badges feature the Baochip-1x, an open-source microcontroller.
- The chip's design and software are published on GitHub for inspection.
- The Baochip-1x core module can be removed and used as a hardware security token.
- The chip's packaging allows physical inspection of the silicon.
Defcon's New Badge Design
The annual Defcon hacker conference is known for its elaborate electronic badges. This year, the focus shifts from complex puzzles to the internal hardware, featuring an innovative open-source chip designed by Andrew "bunnie" Huang.
Introducing the Baochip-1x
The new chip, named Baochip-1x, is a "mostly" open-source microcontroller developed over three years. Its purpose is to advance security, transparency, and trustworthiness in computing by allowing verification of its design and implementation.
Open Source and Verifiable Security
Huang has made the source code for the Baochip's operating system, firmware, processor core, cryptographic engines, and input-output system publicly available on GitHub. This allows researchers to inspect and use these components. The chip's packaging also enables physical examination of the silicon, allowing comparison against the published design to ensure manufacturing integrity.
Beyond the Conference
A key feature of the Baochip-1x is its modularity. The core module can be removed from the Defcon badge and repurposed as a hardware security token. This gives the badge a practical second life after the conference concludes.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Primary sources
GitHub baochip/baochip-1xReporting from
Defcon 32 badges incorporate a new open-source microcontroller, the Baochip-1x, designed by Andrew "bunnie" Huang, which aims to improve security transparency. The chip's core module is removable and functions as a hardware security token, extending its utility beyond the conference.