ScaleFlux Leading Charge in Storage and Memory Technologies for Cyber Defense Solutions

In an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, businesses must adapt to protect their critical data assets.

ScaleFlux, Inc., with its flash storage and CXL memory technology, is leading the charge by embedding security features directly into its solutions. This proactive approach fortifies defenses vs com.plex cyberattacks and also reflects the company‘s commitment to creating a secure digital landscape.

As cybercrime continues to surge globally, with a reported $12.5 billion in losses for U.S. businesses alone in 2023 ⁽¹⁾, the need for more robust security solutions has never been more critical.

“The sheer volume of data generated today, combined with sophisticated cyberattacks, means that organizations must prioritize securing their information,” highlights JB Baker, VP, products. “We are setting a new standard for data protection by embedding innovative security features into our storage and memory solutions. Our commitment to security is unwavering because we know what’s at stake for our customers and the broader economy.”

With an exponential rise in data gen across industries and the growing reliance on digital infrastructures, cyberattacks have evolved in both scope and sophistication.

Ransomware attacks and other hardware-based exploits, such as the ‘Rowhammer’ technique, have become significant threats, leveraging both software and hardware vulnerabilities to disrupt systems and steal sensitive information. The firm’s Compute Express Link (CXL) memory solutions are designed to counter these emerging threats, providing businesses with a tool to safeguard their data in an increasingly hostile digital environment.

Rising cost of cybercrime: A global challenge for businesses
The economic toll of cybercrime continues to mount, with attacks becoming more frequent and costly. In 2024 alone, ransomware attacks led to billions in damages globally, with devastating consequences for businesses. ⁽²⁾
According to a recent report from CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), the frequency of ransomware attacks has surged over the past few years. ⁽²⁾ The 2024 State of Ransomware Report indicates that nearly 70% of organizations reported facing ransomware attacks, marking an increase from previous years. ⁽³⁾ The average ransom demand has also escalated, with companies paying record amounts to regain access to their data. In 2023, ransomware payments reached unprecedented levels, contributing significantly to the overall economic impact of cybercrime. ⁽⁴⁾

“With advanced security embedded in flash storage and CXL memory, ScaleFlux fortifies data defenses, setting a new standard in protecting critical assets from evolving cyber threats,” said Baker.

Rowhammer attacks: The growing threat to hardware security
Rowhammer attacks exploit hardware vulnerabilities in DRAM , targeting a specific weakness in memory cells. By repeatedly accessing (‘hammering’) a row of memory, attackers can cause adjacent rows to experience bit flips – changing 0s to 1s or vice versa.
These subtle memory changes can have serious consequences, including data corruption, privilege escalation, and system crashes, all without using traditional malware.

What makes Rowhammer particularly dangerous is its ability to bypass traditional software defenses, attacking the physical properties of hardware. Even the most secure software environments are vulnerable if the underlying hardware is compromised.

The growing concern over Rowhammer attacks highlights the need for more advanced, hardware-aware security solutions. ScaleFlux’s use of ECC technology plays a crucial role in detecting and correcting data corruption caused by Rowhammer-induced bit flips. ECC is designed to correct single-bit errors and, in some cases, multi-bit errors.

While traditional ECC can mitigate some effects, advanced solutions are needed to defend vs. more sophisticated Rowhammer attacks. The company addresses this with non-classical ECC decoding algorithms that significantly increase error correction strength without requiring additional redundancy or sacrificing speed. This enhances the resilience of DRAM systems, particularly in large-scale environments, offering a robust defense vs. hardware-targeted threats like Rowhammer.

Mitigating cyber threats with innovative technology and open-source methodology
The firm‘s enterprise flash storage solutions are designed to mitigate these threats head-on. By adopting an open-source methodology, the company ensures that security remains transparent, adaptable, and widely accessible.

A key aspect of their security strategy is the integration of Caliptra, a silicon root of trust that bolsters system integrity initially championed by Microsoft and now adopted as an OCP specification. Caliptra is built directly into the NVMe SSD controller chips, creating a stronger security base than software solutions, which can be more vulnerable to attacks. It incorporates specific protections against side-channel attacks, ensuring that only authorized and untampered code is loaded during the boot process. ⁽⁵⁾

The significance of Caliptra is multifold. Its design enhances hardware security by providing a unique identification and authentication method for hardware components, making it exceedingly difficult for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. This approach aligns with the increasing call for security solutions that can withstand the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals.

“Our focus on open-source security not only promotes collaboration but also ensures our solutions remain adaptable to new and emerging threats,” Baker explains.

Collective responsibility: Cybersecurity awareness month with ScaleFlux
October is recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative designed to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of cybersecurity and promote safer digital practices. ⁽⁶⁾ As cyber threats continue to rise, the message this month resonates strongly with ScaleFlux’s mission.

“Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a business imperative,” Baker emphasizes. “It requires collaboration across all levels of an organization. This month serves as a reminder that we must all play our part in safeguarding our digital environments.“

By integrating solutions like Caliptra and advanced ECC technology, the company offers protection that goes beyond traditional software defenses.

“Our approach combines advanced hardware-based security features with a commitment to collaboration and education“, Baker concludes.

⁽¹⁾ Hendery, Simon. FBI: Cybercrime Cost Americans over $12.5B in 2023. SC Media, October 8, 2024.
⁽²⁾ Cybersecurity Awareness Month: CISA. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA, October 2024.
⁽³⁾ 2024 Ransomware Report: Sophos State of Ransomware. Sophos, 2024.
⁽⁴⁾ Greenberg, Andy. Ransomware Payments Hit a Record $1.1 Billion in 2023. Wired, Conde Nast, February 7 2024.
⁽⁵⁾ Amundsen, Tim. Caliptra – A Security Community for a Secured Community. ScaleFlux, September 18, 2024.
⁽⁶⁾ Linskens, Aaron. Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Building A Safer Digital World Together. Software Supply Chain Management, Sonatype, October 1, 2024.