Sierraware makes Global Platform compliant Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) available for MIPS-based devices

Leading security solution implemented using Imagination’s OmniShield™ multi-domain technology

London, UK – 31 July, 2017 – Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) and Sierraware, a pioneer in virtualization and security, announce they are collaborating to make Sierraware’s SierraTEE available for devices based on Imagination’s MIPS CPUs. The Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) provides a secure area within a connected device that ensures sensitive data is stored, processed and protected in an isolated, trusted environment. It enables end-to-end security by offering isolated, safe execution of authorized security software.

Connected embedded devices increasingly have a mix of applications requiring security and some level of robustness against malicious software. SierraTEE is designed for and is already deployed in devices across a number of markets devices including mobile, set-top boxes and residential gateways, servers, industrial automation, and more.

Gopal Jayaraman, president and CEO, Sierraware, says: “We are seeing growing demand for our technology across an expanding number of applications and architectures. Companies developing devices based on MIPS now have an easy-to-use TEE solution that will help them get to market quickly. For developers with Global Platform apps today, there aren’t any code changes needed – it just works.”

Jim Nicholas, EVP MIPS Processor IP, Imagination, says: “SierraTEE builds on the growing range of security solutions and OmniShield enabled technologies for MIPS-based connected devices. We are seeing demand for a Global Platform TEE in a number of areas where MIPS has a strong footprint including set-top boxes, TV, and automotive. Sierraware is an ideal partner for us since their technologies are widely deployed and well proven. Having a TEE based on hardware virtualization holds great promise for companies looking to provide a high level of separation in their system.”

SierraTEE provides a secure and easy-to-implement solution for OmniShield™-ready MIPS CPUs. It is implemented through Imagination’s OmniShield security technology, which leverages hardware virtualization in MIPS CPU to enable creation of multiple domains. In a system with multiple domains, the SierraVisor enables isolation of multiple concurrent guest systems. The combination of the SierraVisor and Sierraware TEE allows full operation of TEE on a virtualized environment.

SierraTEE for MIPS is available now, and it is already in use by MIPS licensees.

About SierraTEE

SierraVisor provides a minimal secure kernel which can be run in parallel with a more fully featured high-level OS, such as Linux, Android, or BSD – on the same core. It also provides drivers for the Rich OS to communicate with the secure kernel. Anything can be made as part of the trusted infrastructure, from regions of PCI-E address space to NAND memory. SierraTEE for MIPS uses OmniShield virtualization technology to completely protect the secure kernel, and any secure peripherals, from code running in the rich environment. This means that even if an attacker manages to obtain full supervisor privileges in the Rich OS it cannot gain access to the secure domain. SierraTEE provides true Global Platform Internal and Client APIs and development tools.

About Sierraware

Sierraware is a leading provider of virtualization and security solutions that change the way applications are accessed and data is secured. Sierraware’s virtual mobile infrastructure (VMI) software empowers developers to support all mobile platforms with a single app and to protect data and monitor user activity. SierraVisor Hypervisor and SierraTEE Trusted Execution Environment deliver embedded virtualization platforms across architectures. Learn more at www.sierraware.com, our blog and on Twitter.

About Imagination Technologies

Imagination is a global technology leader whose products touch the lives of billions of people across the globe. The company’s broad range of silicon IP (intellectual property) includes the key processing blocks needed to create the SoCs (Systems on Chips) that power all mobile, consumer and embedded electronics. Its unique multimedia, processor and connectivity technologies enable its customers to get to market quickly with complete and highly differentiated SoC platforms. Imagination’s licensees include many of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, network operators and OEMs/ODMs who are creating some of the world’s most iconic products. See: www.imgtec.com.