Introduction
This application note presents the basics of security in STM32 microcontrollers.
Security in microcontrollers encompasses several aspects including protection of firmware intellectual property, protection of
private data in the device, and guarantee of a service execution.
The context of IoT has made security even more important. The huge number of connected devices makes them an attractive
target for attackers and several remote attacks have shown the vulnerabilities of device communication channels. With IoT,
the security extends the requirements for confidentiality and authentication to communication channels, which often require
encryption.
This document is intended to help the building of a secure system by applying countermeasures to different types of attack.
In the first part, after a quick overview of different types of threats, examples of typical attacks are presented to show how
attackers exploit the different vulnerabilities in an embedded system.
The subsequent sections focus on the set of hardware and software protections that defend the system from these attacks.
The last sections list all security features available in the STM32 Series, and guidelines are given to build a secure system.
Table 1. Applicable products
Type Product series
Microcontrollers
STM32C0 Series, STM32F0 Series, STM32F1 Series, STM32F2 Series, STM32F3 Series, STM32F4 Series,
STM32F7 Series, STM32G0 Series, STM32G4 Series, STM32H5 Series, STM32H7 Series, STM32L0 Series,
STM32L1 Series, STM32L4 Series, STM32L4+ Series, STM32L5 Series, STM32U5 Series, STM32WB Series,
STM32WL Series
Introduction to STM32 microcontrollers security
AN5156
Application note
AN5156 - Rev 8 - March 2023
For further information contact your local STMicroelectronics sales office.
www.st.com
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