Bitstream Security in FPGAs

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) rely on configuration bitstream – binary files that define the FPGA’s logic and connections. Securing these bit streams is critical because anyone who intercepts or alters them can steal or sabotage the design. Adversaries are motivated by various goals: cloning hardware, stealing intellectual property (IP), bypassing feature locks, or inserting hardware. A compromised FPGA bitstream can lead to loss of competitive IP, financial losses from piracy, or even safety hazards in critical systems. This paper provides an in-depth study of FPGA bitstream security, covering common threats, protection techniques, emerging trends, and best practices for developers to maintain robust security.