iPhones among the best with embedded hardware security

Sales of smartphones with embedded hardware security (secure smartphones) grew 39% year-on-year (YoY) in 2019, according to the latest research from Counterpoint’s IoT Security Service. Apple’s iPhone leads the way with 42% market share, according to the research group.

“Smartphone users are increasingly storing personal and professional data including digital banking, payment and financial information on smartphones,” says Counterpoint Research Analyst, Satyajit Sinha. “This attracts cyber-attacks with victims losing real assets, such as money, personal data and loss of privacy. Securing smartphones should be a high priority for the smartphone industry.”

He adds that secure chipsets like eSE, PUFs, and TPMs embedded in the smartphone are currently the best solution to meet increased security needs. Apple and Huawei implement embedded hardware security through a secure element (eSE/inSE). Samsung uses a physically unclonable function (PUF).

“The eSE is a coprocessor within the SoC which assures tamper-resistance and is capable of securely hosting applications,” says Counterpoint Research Vice President, Research Neil Shah. “From the iPhone 5s onwards, Apple has been embedding a secure enclave (eSE) provided by the Global Platform. The communication within the eSE and application processor is isolated, which secures data from malware attacks. Huawei also implemented an inSE on its SoCs, the HiSilicon Kirin 960, 970, 980, 990 and 710.

The report on “Global Secure Smartphone Sales by Model” is a part of our Security service is available for download here.