STMicroelectronics releases security software to ensure secure connection of IoT devices to Microsoft Azure IoT Hub

The new software is designed for the powerful STM32H5 MCU and leverages ST’s advanced Secure Manager security software,

Ensure that IoT devices are securely connected to the IoT cloud platform

September 27, 2023, China - STMicroelectronics (ST; NYSE: STM), a world-leading semiconductor company serving multiple electronic applications, recently released a new security software for Simplify cloud connectivity between high-performance STM32H5-based IoT devices and Microsoft Azure IoT Hub.

STMicroelectronics’ STM32Cube software extension package X-CUBE-AZURE-H5 contains a set of software libraries and application routines designed for end equipment STM32H5 series high-performance microcontrollers.

This application example illustrates the secure cloud connection method between IoT devices and Azure IoT Hub, including network configuration and data publishing. The application handles Azure® messages, methods, and device twin update commands. The solution also leverages ST’s embedded security software, Secure Manager, to securely connect the STM32H5 to the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Daniel Colona, ​​director of STM32 marketing at STMicroelectronics, said: "With its advanced processor architecture and enhanced security, STM32H5 can be used in next-generation IoT devices. By using the STM32Cube reference software code and the powerful services of Azure IoT Hub, developers can Transform the data collected by the equipment into actionable recommendations to help them make informed decisions, optimize production operations, and improve product and service quality.”

Kam VedBrat, general manager of Azure IoT at Microsoft, said: "With the chip's advanced security features, the STM32H5 can simplify the secure connection and management of high-performance IoT devices and ensure that devices are securely connected to the Azure IoT Hub cloud."

The STM32H5 MCU is programmed with code in STMicroelectronics' own factory to ensure that the identity of each MCU is unique. Device identity information is managed by Secure Manager security software, allowing smart devices to easily complete the registration process in the Azure IoT Hub cloud service, which is simple and cost-effective, and does not require the implementation of product identity confidentiality measures during the product production process.

IoT devices and devices installed on-site can also enjoy remote network provisioning and certificate management services from third-party service providers. Secure Manager saves the certificates required for devices to connect to Azure IoT Hub in the STM32H5 MCU, as well as other device confidential information data.

Secure Manager's isolation function facilitates the protection of intellectual property rights jointly held by multiple parties on the same platform, also known as multi-party IP protection. This comprehensive security service provides STM32 application developers and partner assets with comprehensive confidentiality and integrity protection from equipment development and manufacturing to the installation site.

This solution is also suitable for use cases involving artificial intelligence, in which neural network models run on edge devices and are protected by ST Secure Manager, while model training and security updates are completed through the cloud. The STM32Trust TEE Secure Manager makes system security stronger and simpler.

The STM32Cube ecosystem coupled with the STM32H5 microcontroller provides developers with a powerful and secure platform to develop IoT applications that comply with future regulations and standards. Launched in March 2023, the STM32H5 is the first microcontroller to support Secure Manager and targets applications that are PSA Certified level 3 and SESIP3 certified .

X-CUBE-AZURE-H5 is now available for download.