Hardware Defcon badges feature new open-source chip for enhanced security August 3, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) Defcon attendees will receive conference badges this year featuring a new open-source chip designed by hardware hacker Andrew "bunnie" Huang. This chip, called the Baochip-1x, aims to advance security, transparency, and trustworthiness in computing, with further coverage provided by Ars Technica. The Baochip-1x is a "mostly" open-source microcontroller that allows for verifiable security. Huang has published the source code for its operating system, firmware, processor core, and cryptographic engines on GitHub, enabling inspection and use by researchers. Unlike traditional chips encased in opaque plastic, the Baochip's packaging allows for visual inspection of its internal structures using infrared light, addressing supply-chain concerns. The chip's core module can be removed after the conference and used as a hardware security token, supporting FIDO authentication and time-based one-time passwords. It includes a low-resolution camera for QR code scanning, designed to prioritize privacy. Huang believes the chip is highly resistant to non-physical attacks and can withstand significant resource-based attacks, though he acknowledges that adversaries with substantial resources could potentially overcome its defenses. The chip runs an operating system written in Rust and incorporates features like secure boot and a true random number generator. Source: Ars Technica SC Staff Related Hardware New cyber-physical attack manipulates data center power consumption SC Staff July 9, 2026 Researchers at Zhejiang University have developed Bit2Watt, a proof-of-concept attack that abuses rented GPUs by running specialized workloads designed to rapidly fluctuate between high and low computational intensity. Hardware New research reveals physical system vulnerabilities in data centers SC Staff June 18, 2026 Recent research from Claroty's Team82 has uncovered critical vulnerabilities in widely deployed data center equipment, specifically in Vertiv's Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) network cards and Trane Tracer SC+ HVAC controllers. Hardware Oak Ridge National Laboratory develops advanced GPS interference detector SC Staff April 30, 2026 The new device, created by a team led by Austin Albright, can detect both GPS spoofing (the transmission of fake signals) and jamming (the drowning of receivers in noise). Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe You can skip this ad in 5 seconds