---
title: "Tamper resistant memory"
description: "Watch an episode of NCIS or CSI and you might get the impression that hacking electronic devices is a simple way to learn all you need to about a person. While these shows tend…"
canonical: "https://www.baldengineer.com/tamper-resistant-memory.html"
author: "James Lewis"
date: "2011-06-07T23:17:55Z"
lastmod: "2015-03-24T15:56:01Z"
image: "https://www.baldengineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/SRAM.png"
categories: ["around-the-web"]
tags: ["cryptography-2","ram","semiconductors"]
---

# Tamper resistant memory


Watch an episode of NCIS or CSI and you might get the impression that hacking electronic devices is a simple way to learn all you need to about a person. While these shows tend to gloss over the science of the forensic work, the truth is, most electronic devices only rely on obscurity to keep data safe. [Here is an article from Cambridge researchers discussing how to read contents using lasers](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.62.9843&rep=rep1&type=pdf "") (but not feverish typing on a keyboard for software that is clearly graphical in nature.). That sound crazy right? Don't forgot Princeton has guidelines on security based on the fact you can [freeze RAM to extend its retention](http://citp.princeton.edu.nyud.net/pub/coldboot.pdf "").

Techniques like these might not work much longer. This [new SRAM chip from Maxim, the DS3660](http://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/power/supervisors-voltage-monitors-sequencers/DS3660.html "Maxim 3660 Technical Data"), isn't big but it is continuously updating its cells to prevent a recoverable data pattern from being imprinted. Tamper-resistant features will work to keep the secrets of the chip safe, should someone try TV-style hacking techniques.

Additionally, it also includes cool features like a 64-bit unique serial number, a random-number generator, and a seconds counter all while supporting I2C communications.

Check with Maxim for more details. Don't be surprised if samples are tough to come by....: [http://www.maxim-ic.com/datasheet/index.mvp/id/6767](http://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/power/supervisors-voltage-monitors-sequencers/DS3660.html)