A Visionary Look at the Security of Reconfigurable Cloud Computing

Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have become critical components in many cloud computing platforms. These devices possess the fine-grained parallelism and specialization needed to accelerate applications ranging from machine learning to networking and signal processing, among many others. Unfortunately, fine-grained programmability also makes FPGAs a security risk. Here, we review the current scope of attacks on cloud FPGAs and their remediation. Many of the FPGA security limitations are enabled by the shared power distribution network in FPGA devices. The simultaneous sharing of FPGAs is a particular concern. Other attacks on the memory, host microprocessor, and input/output channels are also possible. After examining current attacks, we describe trends in cloud architecture and how they are likely to impact possible future attacks. FPGA integration into cloud hypervisors and system software will provide extensive computing opportunities but invite new avenues of attack. We identify a series of system, software, and FPGA architectural changes that will facilitate improved security for cloud FPGAs and the overall systems in which they are located.