Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Annual conference dedicated to microarchitecture security research and innovation
- Focus on both attacks and defenses involving hardware components and interfaces
- Emphasis on reproducibility, transparency, and open access publication
- Brings together international experts from academia and industry
- In-person, academically rigorous event with double-blind peer review
The Microarchitecture Security Conference (uASC) stands as a leading annual gathering for professionals and researchers focused on the evolving landscape of microarchitecture security. The third edition, scheduled for February 3-4, 2027 in Amsterdam, offers a platform for presenting original research, exchanging ideas, and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
Industry Context and Relevance
Microarchitecture security has become a critical concern as hardware vulnerabilities increasingly impact the reliability and safety of modern computing systems. The conference addresses the growing need for robust research into both offensive and defensive techniques, reflecting the rapid pace of innovation—and exploitation—within hardware and system design. As attacks become more sophisticated, the importance of transparent, reproducible research and open dialogue between sectors has never been greater.
Core Themes and Discussion Topics
- Attacks and defenses targeting commodity hardware
- Unconventional threat models and emerging vulnerabilities
- Techniques for hardware security analysis and reverse engineering
- Challenges in outdated or misconfigured hardware
- Side channels in operating systems and hypervisors
- Secure hardware development and trusted execution environments
- Reproducibility and transparency in experimental research
- Security at the hardware-software interface
Sessions and presentations are designed to surface both foundational research and practical advances, with a strong emphasis on the reproducibility of results. The event’s academic rigor is underscored by its double-blind peer review process and Diamond Open Access proceedings, ensuring that all contributions are freely available from the outset.
Audience and Community
uASC attracts a diverse audience, including academic researchers, hardware engineers, security analysts, and professionals from organizations involved in chip design, system architecture, and secure system development. The event is particularly relevant for those working at the intersection of hardware and software security, as well as those seeking to bridge the gap between theoretical research and industry application.
Format and Experience
The conference is held in person in Amsterdam, fostering direct engagement and networking among participants. The format includes paper and poster submissions, with all research undergoing a rigorous double-blind review. The open access model supports the event’s commitment to transparency and community-driven progress in the field.
Collaboration and Industry Engagement
While the primary focus remains on education and thought leadership, uASC also serves as a catalyst for academic-industry collaboration. Sponsors such as Google support the event’s mission, and the environment encourages networking, partnership development, and the exchange of ideas that drive the field forward.