There are different methods which can be used to ensure that objects have not been tampered between uses. This is especially relevant for equipment such as laptops. Each method comes with tradeoffs, and in the context of high assurance security it is instrumental to understand the tradeoffs in order to achieve an adequate level of confidence that supplies such as computers used for high risk operations retain their integrity.
There are a number of common methods which appear to provide a reasonable level of tamper evidence, but in fact do not. It is worth noting a few examples of these such as using tamper evident tape, or even glitter if done improperly. This document will focus on illustrating adequate methods, rather than enumerating ones that are inadequate.
## Properties
Tamper evident methods need to be:
* Difficult to circumvent
* Simple to set up
* Simple to verify
There are three reasonably secure methods which have been identified and are explored in this document that can be used in different contexts:
One of the most reliable methods for ensuring tamper evidence relies on the randomness and difficulty of placing small objects henceforth referred to as "filler" (colored rice, lentils, confetti) in a transparent bag to encase an object which is then vacuum sealed. By placing an object in a transparent, vacuum sealable bag and surrounding it with filler, an arrangement of the filler around the object in the bag can be achieved which is difficult to reproduce. Upon sealing the object in this manner, photos can be taken to use as a reference once the object is accessed again - allowing one to verify that the arrangement of the filler has not changed.
There are no known attacks for this type of tamper proofing method when executed properly. The main sources of risk stem from consistent and repeatable photography and comparison of photographs to ensure that any changes can be detected.
If photographs are not cryptographically signed, they can also be manipulated and/or replaced which could result in the compromise of the system as well.
The reason this method is effective is because unlike with many other methods that tamper proof a specific part of an object, such as applying glitter to screws which leaves device ports exposed, or using cryptographic signing to verify the hardware has not been modified, still leaving the door to physical modifications, vacuum sealing with colored filler encases the entire object in a tamper evident manner.
This threat level assumes fairly unsophisticated attackers, and as such, basic tamper proofing methods can be effective. These attackers would have a difficult time pursuing physical attacks such as evil maiden attacks, or covertly stealing and replacing hardware.
As such one of the following combinations of tamper proofing methods MUST be used:
* [Glitter on screw](#glitter-on-screws) + [pureboot/heads](#pureboot--heads)
* [Vacuum sealing with filler](#vacuum-sealed-bags-with-filler)
#### Level 3
This level of threat actors has a more extensive range of attacks which may include physical attacks. As such additional counter measures are required to ensure that the integrity and confidentiality of information is retained. The threat modelling document contains more information about this [level](threat-model.md#level-3)
* MUST combine [glitter on screws](#glitter-on-screws), [pureboot/heads](#pureboot--heads), and [vacuum sealing with filler](#vacuum-sealed-bags-with-filler)
* MUST maintain 2 person [chain of custody](hardware-procurement-and-chain-of-custody.md)
#### Level 4
This is the highest threat level and as such requires additional controls which protect hardware. More details around the capabilities of threat actors at this level are available in the [threat modeling document](threat-model.md#level-4)
* MUST use high grade tamper evident safes
* MUST use physical access controls
* MUST have continued surveillance of the storage location
To achieve the best level of randomness and difficulty of reproducing the arrangement of filler in a vacuum sealed bag, a variety of beads of different sizes and color should be used. They may be made of different materials as well but plastic is excellent because it doesn't change form when vacuum sealed - which can make it easier to reproduce patterns. Materials such as confetti and packing beans may be used, but because they can be flattened and retain the shape, arranging them in a given pattern is much easier. Other options like beans or lentils have less variety in color and shapes which makes it harder to detect differences.
Sealing bags of standard size objects which need to be protected can fit in. The bags should be perfectly see through, rather than with writing or any irregularities in the plastic which can obfuscate the view of the inside of the bag. 11" width is recommended.
* [Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Rolls (11" x 19.60')](https://anovaculinary.com/en-ca/products/anova-precision-vacuum-sealer-rolls)
* [2 Vacuum Sealer Rolls (11.0" x 19.70')](https://www.nesco.com/product/2-vacuum-sealer-rolls-11-0-x-19-70/)
* This strategy may be layered, for example if one chooses to apply it to a hardware token, the sealed hardware token can be placed inside of a bigger bag, along with a laptop.
* A similar method can be used but with a bin filled with filler that the object is placed into. The main disadvantage here is that this type of tamper proofing is not resistant to seismic activity, air movement, or other sourced of vibration which could shift filler around.
2. Fill bag with enough plastic beads that all of the object is surrounded
3. Use vacuum sealer to remove air from the bag until the beads are no longer able to move
4. Use the [Tamper Proofing Station](#tamper-proofing-station) to take a photograph of both sides of the sealed object using both the digital and polaroid camera
5. Take the SD card to an online connected device and commit the photograph to a repository, ensuring the commit is signed
2. Use the photographs and compare them to the sealed object, ensuring the arrangement of the filler in the sealed bag is the same on both sides of the object
3. If there is no noticeable difference, proceed with unsealing the object, otherwise initiate an incident response process.
## Glitter on Screws
Glitter can be used as an additional control to provide tamper evidence on specific parts of hardware such as laptop screws - in case an adversary attempts to open the laptop and introduce a malicious chip, antenna or otherwise. While glitter allows to detect physical tampering of the hardware, it does not provide tamper evidence of the firmware and software that runs on the computer, and as such is not sufficient for adequate tamper proofing of laptops on its own.
### Procedure
#### Requirements
* 2 or 3 different types of glitter, ideally with small and large pieces of glitter of different colors
#### Sealing
1. Clean the surface the glitter will be applied to
There is no "unsealing" procedure as the glitter used on screws, or in other similar contexts is meant as a more permanent control. As such the primary action that's performed is the verification of the integrity of the tamper proofing seal.
To verify that the seal has not been tampered, compare the glitter arrangement to a photograph which had been previously signed and stored. Both operators should have a copy of the picture and use it to verify the integrity of the seal.
This tamper proofing method is designed to protect the secure boot process of a computer. It does not protect the computer from physical tampering which can be used to ad
Refer to the [PureBoot Setup](./enable-pure-boot-restricted-boot.md) document
## Tamper Proofing Station
The Tamper Proofing Station is a simple structure used to make it easy to take photographs which have consistent lightning, consistent angle, and consistent distance from the object being photograph. In this manner, photographs can be taken which ensure that any differences in the sealed object can be easily detected.
### Instructions
To construct an appropriate Tamper Proofing Station, the simplest setup consists of:
Pick a location for the station, and attach the LED light and the camera to the overhead camera mounting rig. Set up the camera so that when it's turned on, a 14" laptop is perfectly framed without having to zoom in or out if possible.
