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

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.