Keeping your IP safe in a connected world

In today’s hyper-connected and globally collaborative world of electronic systems design (ESD), securing intellectual property (IP) is no longer a back-office task. It’s a frontline necessity and has become more crucial than ever! From companies with business units in multiple locations, to multinational development teams, to export compliance risks, protecting design secrets is critical to ensuring competitive edge, legal safety, and long-term innovation. Here’s how forward-thinking teams are addressing the full spectrum of security challenges with industry best practices, smart and layered strategies for safeguarding critical design IP while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Think of security like an onion: Layered and resilient

Much like an onion, the best security strategies are built in layers—each addressing a different aspect of the system to create a cohesive, resilient whole.

Multi-layered security architecture

The foundation of robust IP protection begins with a multi-layered security approach:

Physical security – the foundation

• Access control with badge readers and biometrics ensures only authorized personnel enter critical areas and or secure facilities.
• Surveillance systems such as CCTVact as a deterrent and provide forensic insight.
• Hardware security modules (HSMs) to securely manage and protect cryptographic keys and sensitive data.
• Secure workspaces and development environments are physically isolated, reducing accidental exposure or data leakage.

These tangible protections are your first line of defense and still crucial in today’s digital-first environment.  Yet, these physical securities alone are not enough in today’s digital age.

Digital security – the invisible armor

Encryption and authentication

• Strong end-to-end encryption protocols protect sensitive data in transit and at rest.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines knowledge, possession, and biometrics for secure access control.

Secure boot and software integrity

• Secure boot mechanisms
• Verifying that firmware and software haven’t been tampered with is key to preventing sabotage or IP theft at the firmware level.
• Trusted Platform Modules (TPM)
• Secure key management systems
• Regular security audits and penetration testing

Behavior monitoring and anomaly detection

• Platforms like Siemens’ Xcelerator offer monitoring tools that flag unusual access attempts or suspicious behavior, acting like a digital immune system.

Role-based access control – right people, right access

Not everyone needs access to everything. Using a “least privilege” approach ensures:

• Users only interact with the data they need.
• Systems track who accessed what, when, and why.
• Access permissions can be revoked or updated easily as team roles change.

Implementing stringent access controls such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are vital for protecting sensitive design IP:

RBAC

• Clearly defined user roles and responsibilities
• Principle of least privilege
• Regular access rights reviews
• Time-based access restrictions
• Geographic access limitations

MFA

• Biometric verification
• Hardware security tokens
• Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
• Smart card authentication
• Mobile device verification

Modern PLM systems and collaborative EDA tools like Xpedition support dynamic data restrictions and user-level permissions, giving design teams granular control over sensitive IP.

Protecting design files – integrity is everything

Design files are prime targets for tampering, theft, or accidental changes. To ensure file integrity:

• Digital signatures act as a fingerprint, verifying authenticity and source.
• Version control and audit trails let teams track every change.
• Automated backups protect against data loss from human error or cyberattack.

Preventing unauthorized modifications requires robust data integrity measures. Version control systems and audit trails include:

Version control systems

• Secure repository management
• Detailed change logs
• Digital signatures for code commits. What is a code commit, you ask? This is a way of tracking project changes by grabbing a snapshot of the project at a specific point in time.
• Automated integrity checks
• Backup and recovery procedures

Audit trails

• Comprehensive logging of all system activities
• Real-time monitoring and alerts
• Tamper-evident logging
• Regular audit reviews
• Forensic analysis capabilities

A secure design workflow makes it easy to detect unauthorized modifications and recover from disruptions quickly.

Staying compliant – because the rules matter

In the global marketplace, complying with export control laws and security regulations isn’t optional. It’s foundational. Here’s how leading teams stay compliant:

• Understand international export laws and ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Keep meticulous records of file transfers, access logs, and compliance actions.
• Use platforms that support geolocation-based access restrictions and automated compliance checks.

Tools like secure digital twin environments help maintain traceability and enforce jurisdictional access controls, supporting global collaboration without compromising compliance.

Industry standards – don’t reinvent the wheel

Security frameworks exist for a reason. Embracing standards like:

Common Standards:

• ISO/IEC 27001 – for information security management
• IEC 62443 – for industrial automation and control systems
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework – for risk management
• Common Criteria (ISO/IEC 15408) – for evaluating the security of information technology (IT) products
• FIPS 140-2/3 for cryptographic modules used by US federal agencies to protect sensitive data.

Industry-Specific requirements:

• DO-254 for aerospace
• ISO 26262 for automotive
• IEC 60601 for medical devices
• MIL-STD-883 for military applications

These common standards and industry-specific requirements ensure your team operates at a level that’s not only best-practice but also auditable and defensible.

At Siemens we align and support many of the above standards and requirements. Specifically:

• TISAX labels
• CE+ certification
• Completed CSA Star Level One via CAIQ
• Alignment with NIST CSF, NIST 800-218, NIST 800-171, IEC 62443-4-1, and MITRE ATT&CK.
• ISO 26262 certificate(s), though not specifically a security certification, safety and security go hand in hand.

When things go wrong – be ready, not sorry

No system is perfect. Prepare for incidents by:

• Creating an incident response plan.
• Training staff on rapid containment and recovery steps.
• Learning from every breach to build resilience.

A “fail smart” mindset can turn a potential disaster into a valuable lesson.

Everyday best practices that matter

• Regular security audits – Like regular doctor visits, they help detect risks early.
• Engaging training – Make it fun, not a chore. Phishing simulations, gamified learning, and real-world examples help teams stay alert.
• Secure supply chains – Vet your suppliers, trace parts, and make sure partners share your security priorities.
• Documentation – From procedures to access logs write it down and keep it updated.

Bottom Line: Security is a culture, not a checkbox

Protecting electronic design IP isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about cultivating a mindset across your organization. From engineers to executives, everyone has a role to play in guarding your most valuable asset…innovation.

Organizations must implement robust security measures, maintain strict access controls, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Regular assessment, employee training, and incident response preparation are essential components of an effective security strategy.

Security isn’t rocket science, but it is essential. It needs to be baked into every layer of your design process…from the lab bench to the cloud. By following industry best practices and continuously adapting to emerging threats, organizations can better protect their valuable IP while maintaining regulatory compliance in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

Remember: Security is not a one-time implementation but a continuous process that requires ongoing attention, updates, and improvements to stay ahead of evolving threats and changing regulatory requirements. Stay consistent. Stay compliant. And above all…stay vigilant!