USB-IF Launches USB Type-C™ Authentication Program

DigiCert, Inc. selected to manage PKI and certificate authority
services

BEAVERTON, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the support organization for the
advancement and adoption of USB technology, today announced the launch
of its USB Type-C™ Authentication Program, marking an important
milestone for the optional USB security protocol. The USB
Type-C Authentication specification defines cryptographic-based
authentication for USB Type-C chargers and devices.

USB Type-C Authentication empowers host systems to protect against
non-compliant USB chargers and to mitigate risks from malicious
firmware/hardware in USB devices attempting to exploit a USB connection.
Using this protocol, host systems can confirm the authenticity of a USB
device, USB cable or USB charger, including such product aspects as the
capabilities and certification status. All of this happens right at the
moment a connection is made – before inappropriate power or data can be
transferred.

“USB-IF is excited to launch the USB Type-C Authentication Program,
providing OEMs with the flexibility to implement a security framework
that best fits their specific product requirements,” said USB-IF
President and COO Jeff Ravencraft. “As the USB Type-C ecosystem
continues to grow, companies can further provide the security that
consumers have come to expect from certified USB devices.”

Key characteristics of the USB Type-C Authentication solution include:

• A standard protocol for authenticating certified USB Type-C chargers,
  devices, cables and power sources
• Support for authenticating over either USB data bus or USB Power
  Delivery communications channels
• Products that use the authentication protocol retain control over the
  security policies to be implemented and enforced
• Relies on 128-bit security for all cryptographic methods
• Specification references existing internationally-accepted
  cryptographic methods for certificate format, digital signing, hash
  and random number generation

USB-IF selected DigiCert
to manage the PKI and certificate authority services for the USB Type-C
Authentication Program. For further details, read the DigiCert announcement.

“DigiCert is excited to work with USB-IF and its CA Program Participants
from the industry at large to provide the technical expertise and scale
needed for the USB Type-C Authentication Program, and we look forward to
implementation,” said Geoffrey Noakes, Vice President, IoT Business
Development at DigiCert.

To participate in the USB Type-C Authentication Program, contact geoff.noakes@digicert.com.

Meet With USB-IF at CES 2019

USB-IF will participate at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, January 8-11. To
request a briefing, please contact press@usb.org.

About USB-IF

The non-profit USB Implementers Forum, Inc. was formed to provide a
support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB
technology as defined in the USB specifications. USB-IF facilitates the
development of high-quality compatible USB devices through its logo and
compliance program, and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of
products that have passed compliance testing. Further information,
including postings of the most recent product and technology
announcements, is available by visiting the USB-IF website at www.usb.org.

USB Type-C™ and USB-C™ are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.

Contacts

JOE BALICH
USB-IF PR
+1 503.619.4113
press@usb.org