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The official overview: ARM Confidential Compute Architecture

ARM Confidential Compute Architecture (CCA) is an approach to securing sensitive data and computations within the ARM ecosystem. It provides a framework for executing trusted code and protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and privacy, even in the presence of potentially compromised software layers or untrusted environments.

The goal of ARM CCA is to enable secure computing across a range of devices, including edge devices, IoT devices, smartphones, servers, and cloud environments. It leverages ARM's hardware-based security features, such as TrustZone technology, to establish isolated execution environments called secure enclaves. These secure enclaves provide a protected space where sensitive code and data can be executed and stored, shielding them from unauthorized access and tampering.

ARM CCA builds on the foundation of ARM TrustZone, which divides the processor's resources into secure and non-secure worlds. The secure world is isolated from the non-secure world, creating a trusted execution environment (TEE) where critical operations can be performed. ARM CCA extends this concept by introducing additional security features and capabilities to further enhance the protection of sensitive data and computations.

Some key components and features of ARM CCA include:

Secure Enclaves

These are isolated execution environments within the secure world where sensitive code and data reside. They provide strong isolation from the non-secure world and enable secure computations.

Trusted Applications

These are software components that run within the secure enclaves and perform trusted operations. They can be developed using trusted programming languages and libraries to ensure their integrity and security.

Secure Storage

ARM CCA provides mechanisms to securely store sensitive data within the secure enclaves, protecting it from unauthorized access or tampering.

Secure Communication

ARM CCA enables secure communication channels between trusted applications running in separate secure enclaves or between secure enclaves and external entities. This ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data exchanged between them.

Attestation and Remote Attestation

ARM CCA incorporates mechanisms for verifying the integrity and authenticity of secure enclaves. Attestation allows external entities to validate the identity and integrity of a secure enclave, while remote attestation enables the verification of secure enclaves over a network.

ARM CCA provides a foundation for building secure and trusted systems within the ARM ecosystem. It enables the development of applications and services that can securely process sensitive data, protect intellectual property, and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of computations. By leveraging hardware-based security features and strong isolation, ARM CCA enhances the overall security posture of ARM-based devices and platforms.