An increase in demand for computer security and authentication tools is predicted to nearly double global shipments of cybersecurity microcontrollers (MCUs) by 2017.

Global shipments of MCUs, or embedded secure MCUs, will rise to 529 million units in 2017, according to a new report entitled "Embedded Digital Security — World— 2013" by the Smart Cards and Digital Security group at IHS.

"Cybersecurity MCUs are playing a key role in defending a world that is increasingly at risk from hackers, cyberattacks and counterfeit products," said Sam Lucero, senior principal analyst covering M2M and the" Internet of Things" for IHS. "Because they are the principal hardware element enabling security in a diverse range of applications, cybersecurity MCUs will see widespread usage and fast growth in the coming years."

Figure presents the IHS forecast of global shipments of cybersecurity MCUs in all applications excluding smartcards.

 

There are three applications for cybersecurity MCUs:

• Trusted Platform Modules (TPM): Security technologies to the PC and server markets in a standardized fashion.
• Authentication: Brand protection, revenue assurance and product safety and reliability.
• M2M: various network connectivity technologies to integrate sensors, devices and machines into applications that automate monitoring and control functionality, or that enable transparent content delivery.

Read the full press release on Control Engineering.