Improved security in open-source and open-specification hardware for connected devices
HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
Basic Information
- Identifier
- HORIZON-CL3-2021-CS-01-02
- Programme
- Increased cybersecurity 2021
- Programme Period
- 2021 - 2027
- Status
- Closed (31094503)
- Opening Date
- June 30, 2021
- Deadline
- October 21, 2021
- Deadline Model
- single-stage
- Budget
- €21,500,000
- Keywords
- Internet of ThingsSecurity testing and validationVulnerability discovery and penetration testingMeasurement and assessment of security levels.Artificial IntelligenceCryptology (Cryptography and Cryptanalysis) Authentication protocols/frameworks, authorizationDigital AgendaSoftware engineering, operating systems, computerInternet of Things, embedded/pervasive systemsHardware technology (RFID, chips, sensors, etc.)Open hardwaresecure software patchingsecure firmware updateconnected deviceTrusted Platform Modulesmulti-factor authenticationbootstrappingformal security modelhardware-related security vulnerabilitiesSandboxing applications
Description
Projects are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes:
- Reduced security threats of open source hardware for connected devices.
- Formal verification of open hardware.
- Effective management of cybersecurity patches for connected devices in restricted environments such as IoT devices.
- Effective security audits of open source hardware, embedded software and other security-relevant aspects of connected devices.
- Effective mechanisms for inventory management, detection of insecure components and decommissioning.
- Methods for secure authentication and secure communication for connected devices in restricted environments such as IoT devices
The proposal should provide appropriate indicators to measure its progress and specific impact.
Scope:The quality of hardware and software, notably open source, for IoT and connected devices is improving. However, the restricted environment of many IoT devices does not allow the deployment of more complex protection schemes (e.g. Trusted Platform Modules, Sandboxing applications in managed memory partitions) and similar approaches that often rely on operating system (OS) support to ensure cybersecurity. Open Source designs are frequently used in IoT technology and become more reliable and efficient with the number of developers that deploy them. The management of this large collaborative development environment that Open Source represents is a real cybersecurity challenge.
The aim is to support European trustworthy platforms by methods, tools and technologies that foster a stronger Cybersecurity, which can serve in a variety of connected devices. The proposed action should integrate formal security models and verified and scalable cryptography that can be used in future key system components (operating systems,…).
Proposals should cover one or more of these research activities:
- development of verifiable implementations of cryptographic solutions, authentication schemes, and, as relevant, software libraries that implement them securely in operating systems;
- develop mechanisms to mitigate hardware-related security vulnerabilities
- development of security auditing for connected devices;
- development and advancing of security testing in restricted environments;
- development and advancing of verification methods for secure firmware updates and secure software patching in connected devices;
- development of multi-factor authentication hardware and software solutions.
- development of the security upgrading of the connected devices within the life cycle (bootstrapping, commissioning, operational, upgrade etc.)
The participation of SMEs is strongly encouraged. In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.
Destination & Scope
Europe is in the midst of a digital transformation. Digital technologies are profoundly changing our daily life, our way of working and doing business, and the way people travel, communicate and relate with each other. Digital communication, social media interaction, artificial intelligence, e-government, e-commerce and digital enterprises are steadily transforming our world. They are generating an ever-increasing amount of data, which, if pooled and used, can lead to a completely new means and levels of value creation. The more interconnected we are, however, the more we are vulnerable to cyber threats.
Digital disruption, notably caused by malicious cyber activities, not only threaten our economies but also our way of life, our freedoms and values, and even try to undermine the cohesion and functioning of our democracy in Europe.
Regardless of the economic, political or personal motivations behind the cyber threats, securing our future wellbeing, freedoms, democratic governance, and prosperity depend on improving our capacity to shield the EU from malicious attacks and to address digital security weaknesses in general. The digital transformation requires improving cybersecurity substantially, so as to ensure the protection of the increasing number of connected devices and the safe operation of network and information systems, including the ones used in power grids, drinking water supply and distribution services, vehicles and transport systems, hospitals and the overall health system, finances, public institutions, factories, and homes. Europe must build resilience to cyber-attacks and create effective cyber deterrence, while making sure that data protection and freedom of citizens are strengthened. These efforts should include considerations for particularly vulnerable organisations and citizens.
The technological tools of cybersecurity are strategic assets, as well as being key growth technologies for the future. It is in the EU's strategic interest to ensure that the EU retains and develops the essential capacities to secure its digital economy, society and democracy, to protect critical hardware and software and to provide key cybersecurity services.
Cybersecurity research and innovation activities will support a Europe fit for the digital age, enabling and supporting digital innovation while highly preserving privacy, security, safety and ethical standards. They will contribute to the implementation of the digital and privacy policy of the Union, in particular the NIS Directive[[Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union (NIS Directive).]], the EU Cybersecurity Act[[Regulation (EU) 2019/881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and on information and communications technology cybersecurity certification and repealing Regulation (EU) No 526/2013 (Cybersecurity Act).]], the EU Cybersecurity Strategy[[Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council The EU's Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade JOIN/2020/18 final.]], the GDPR[[Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).]], and the future e-Privacy Regulation.
Research and innovation will build on the results of Horizon 2020 such as the pilot projects funded under SU-ICT-03-2018[[Establishing and operating a pilot for a Cybersecurity Competence Network to develop and implement a common Cybersecurity Research & Innovation Roadmap.]].and other relevant H2020 topics and cybersecurity activities (e.g. carried out by ENISA[[https://www.enisa.europa.eu/]] or relevant parts of work of the EIT Digital[[https://www.eitdigital.eu/]]). The activities will be aligned as relevant with the future objectives of the Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network of National Coordination Centres (Commission proposal COM(2018) 630). They will be complementary to actions under the Digital Europe Programme, Specific Objectives 3 and 4, which will strengthen EU cybersecurity capacity by support to deployment of cybersecurity infrastructures and tools across the EU, for public administrations, businesses, and individuals, and support digital skills including in cybersecurity. For example support is foreseen to specialised education programmes or modules in key capacity areas such as cybersecurity. Generally, cybersecurity is a horizontal challenge and is not be limited to Horizon Europe Cluster 3. In addition to the calls of the Horizon Europe of Cluster 3 - Civil Security for Society, other activities relevant for Cybersecurity will be supported in particular in the Work Programme part of Cluster 4 - Digital, Industry and Space.
Research and innovation results may feed into the operational work on preparedness and response in the Joint Cyber Unit[[see section 2.1 in The EU's Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade, JOIN(2020) 18 final. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/GA/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020JC0018]].
Expected impact:
Proposals for topics under this Destination should set out a credible pathway contributing to the following impact of the Strategic Plan 2021-2024: "Increased cybersecurity and a more secure online environment by developing and using effectively EU and Member States’ capabilities in digital technologies supporting protection of data and networks aspiring to technological sovereignty in this field, while respecting privacy and other fundamental rights; this should contribute to secure services, processes and products, as well as to robust digital infrastructures capable to resist and counter cyber-attacks and hybrid threats".
More specifically, proposals should contribute to the achievement of one or more of the following impacts:
- Strengthened EU cybersecurity capacities and European Union sovereignty in digital technologies
- More resilient digital infrastructures, systems and processes
- Increased software, hardware and supply chain security
- Secured disruptive technologies
- Smart and quantifiable security assurance and certification shared across the EU
- Reinforced awareness and a common cyber security management and culture
Eligibility & Conditions
General conditions
1. Admissibility conditions: described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System
2. Eligible countries: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3. Other eligibility conditions: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
Some activities, resulting from this topic, may involve using classified background and/or producing of security sensitive results (EUCI and SEN). Please refer to the related provisions in section B Security — EU classified and sensitive information of the General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes
5. Evaluation and award:
- Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes
- Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual
- Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes
Specific conditions
7. Specific conditions: described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Documents
Call documents:
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
HE General MGA v1.0 -
Additional documents:
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 6. Civil Security for Society
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 13. General Annexes
HE Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
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