Award Abstract # 0915735
TC: Small: Layered Modeling for Design, Analysis, and Implementation of Trusted Platform Applications

NSF Org: CNS
Division Of Computer and Network Systems
Recipient: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
Initial Amendment Date: August 27, 2009
Latest Amendment Date: August 27, 2009
Award Number: 0915735
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Nina Amla
CNS
 Division Of Computer and Network Systems
CSE
 Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Start Date: September 1, 2009
End Date: August 31, 2014 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $498,090.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $498,090.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2009 = $498,090.00
History of Investigator:
  • Stephen Tate (Principal Investigator)
    srtate@uncg.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: University of North Carolina Greensboro
1000 SPRING GARDEN ST
GREENSBORO
NC  US  27412-5068
(336)334-5878
Sponsor Congressional District: 06
Primary Place of Performance: University of North Carolina Greensboro
1000 SPRING GARDEN ST
GREENSBORO
NC  US  27412-5068
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
06
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): C13DF16LC3H4
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): TRUSTWORTHY COMPUTING
Primary Program Source: 01000910DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 7923, 9218, HPCC
Program Element Code(s): 779500
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.070

ABSTRACT

As trusted computing technology, and trusted platform modules (TPMs) in particular, become widespread, it is important to build a strong foundation for applications built on this new technology. This project is a structured effort to develop a model for trusted platform applications, using a layered approach that supports rigorous analysis and security proofs, and provides a basis for modular software design that directly maps to the analytic model. Project activities are organized toward five specific objectives: development of concrete mathematical models for rigorous security analysis; analysis of specific widely-applicable functionality built on TPMs; development of a timing-accurate, extensible TPM simulator; study of TPM use in applications; and development of a layered security framework corresponding to the formal model. The project's approach is guided by two philosophies: keep it structured and simple (the principle of economy of mechanism) and justify constructions through rigorous analysis and proof.

Despite the growing use of trusted computing technology in modern systems, there has been very little formal research regarding this new technology. This project will fill this gap and provide a basis for future work in both using trusted computing technology and in designing extensions to the current technology. In addition to publications describing the knowledge gained, software for the extensible TPM simulator and the layered trusted computing framework will be distributed freely. The project will also result in the creation of a website that will be a portal for information on trusted computing and related research, and will include the development of a course on trusted computing and trusted platforms that will prepare both undergraduates and graduate students for work in this emerging area.

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