Power fingerprinting module for hardware-level firmware
This technology monitors a computer processor's power consumption in real time to detect whether the software running on it has been tampered with or compromised. Every legitimate program has a characteristic 'power fingerprint' — a predictable pattern of electricity draw as it executes — and this system captures those baseline signatures layer by layer. If malware or unauthorized code alters execution, the power draw deviates from the known-good signature, triggering an alert. The approach works across networked devices, supports automatic signature generation and secure updates, and is designed to catch attacks that evade traditional software-based security tools because it operates entirely outside the software stack.
What you could build
A firmware integrity monitoring module — hardware sensor plus software stack — embedded in industrial controllers, military embedded systems, or critical infrastructure devices to provide continuous, tamper-evident runtime attestation. Primary buyers are defense primes and OEMs building embedded systems for government, ICS/SCADA vendors, and cybersecurity platform companies seeking differentiated endpoint detection for non-traditional computing devices.
Who in Virginia should care
Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads defense-industrial corridor host numerous defense primes, systems integrators (Leidos, Booz Allen, SAIC, ManTech), and DHS/DoD program offices that actively fund and procure embedded system security solutions.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Jeffrey H. Reed, Carlos R. Aguayo Gonzalez
- Granted
- September 24, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10423207
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.