The STM32N6 Face Recognition System processes biometric data and requires careful consideration of security and privacy implications. This document outlines security practices, privacy considerations, and vulnerability reporting procedures.

This system processes sensitive biometric data (facial features). Key security considerations:

• Minimal Data: Only collect biometric data necessary for the intended application
• Consent: Obtain explicit user consent before processing biometric data
• Purpose Limitation: Use biometric data only for the stated purpose
• Transparency: Clearly inform users about data collection and processing

• Local Processing: Face recognition processing occurs locally on the STM32N6 device
• No Cloud Storage: By default, biometric data is not transmitted to external servers
• Temporary Storage: Facial embeddings are stored temporarily in volatile memory
• Secure Deletion: Ensure proper deletion of biometric data when no longer needed

• Optional PC Interface: PC streaming is optional and can be disabled
• Local Network Only: If enabled, PC interface operates on local network only
• Encryption: Consider encrypting data transmission for sensitive applications

• Device Access: Secure physical access to the STM32N6 development board
• Debug Interfaces: Disable debug interfaces in production deployments
• Tamper Detection: Consider hardware tamper detection for high-security applications

• Secure Boot: Implement secure boot procedures for production firmware
• Code Signing: Sign firmware images to prevent unauthorized modifications
• Memory Protection: Utilize MPU (Memory Protection Unit) features when available

Users must ensure compliance with applicable privacy regulations:

• Data Subject Rights: Implement rights to access, rectify, and delete biometric data
• Privacy by Design: Implement privacy protections from system design phase
• Data Protection Impact Assessment: Conduct DPIA for high-risk biometric processing
• Consent Management: Implement proper consent mechanisms

• Consumer Rights: Implement rights to know, delete, and opt-out
• Data Minimization: Collect only necessary biometric information
• Security Measures: Implement reasonable security measures

• Written Consent: Obtain written consent before biometric data collection
• Retention Limits: Establish and follow biometric data retention schedules
• Destruction: Permanently destroy biometric data when purpose is fulfilled

• Research and comply with local biometric and privacy laws
• Consider sector-specific regulations (healthcare, education, etc.)
• Implement appropriate cross-border data transfer protections

// Example: Limit embedding storage
#define EMBEDDING_BANK_SIZE 10    // Limit stored embeddings
#define EMBEDDING_RETENTION_TIME 3600  // Auto-delete after 1 hour

• Consider facial template anonymization techniques
• Implement irreversible biometric template protection
• Use one-way hash functions for stored templates when possible

• Provide clear opt-in/opt-out mechanisms
• Allow users to delete their biometric data
• Implement granular privacy controls

For security vulnerabilities, please contact:

• Email: [Create security contact email]
• Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours
• Disclosure: We follow responsible disclosure practices

• Authentication bypasses
• Biometric data leaks or unauthorized access
• Remote code execution vulnerabilities
• Privacy control bypasses
• Hardware security issues

Please include:

Title: Brief description of the vulnerability
Severity: Critical/High/Medium/Low
Component: Affected system component
Steps to Reproduce: Detailed reproduction steps
Impact: Potential security/privacy impact
Suggested Fix: If known

• Report First: Report vulnerabilities privately before public disclosure
• Coordination: Work with maintainers on fix timeline
• Public Disclosure: Allow reasonable time for fixes before public disclosure
• Credit: Security researchers will be credited for responsible disclosure

// In Inc/app_config.h - Production configuration
#undef DEBUG_MODE
#undef ENABLE_ITM_TRACE
#undef ENABLE_UART_DEBUG

// Enable memory protection
#define USE_MPU_PROTECTION
#define ENABLE_STACK_PROTECTION
#define USE_SECURE_MEMORY_REGIONS

// Disable unnecessary features
#undef ENABLE_PC_STREAM      // Disable if not needed
#undef ENABLE_UART_COMMANDS  // Disable remote commands
#define LOCAL_PROCESSING_ONLY // Force local processing

If using the PC interface:

• Use isolated/air-gapped networks for sensitive applications
• Implement network segmentation
• Consider VPN for remote access

# In python_tools/ - Add authentication
import hashlib
import secrets

def authenticate_connection(password):
    # Implement proper authentication
    return verify_credentials(password)

# Add TLS/SSL for data transmission
import ssl
import socket

def create_secure_connection():
    context = ssl.create_default_context()
    # Configure secure connection

• Template Security: Test biometric template protection
• Spoofing Resistance: Test against photo/video attacks
• Privacy Leakage: Verify no biometric data leakage

• Penetration Testing: Test network interfaces
• Traffic Analysis: Monitor for sensitive data transmission
• Authentication Testing: Verify access controls

# Static analysis tools
cppcheck --enable=all Src/ Inc/
flawfinder Src/ Inc/

# Memory analysis
valgrind --tool=memcheck ./test_application

• Privacy Impact Assessment completed
• Legal compliance review conducted
• Security testing performed
• Debug features disabled
• Secure boot implemented (if required)
• Access controls configured
• Data retention policies defined
• Incident response plan created
• User consent mechanisms implemented
• Privacy policy published

• Monitor for unauthorized access attempts
• Log security-relevant events
• Implement anomaly detection
• Regular security updates
• Periodic security assessments

• ISO/IEC 30107 - Biometric presentation attack detection
• ISO/IEC 24745 - Biometric template protection
• NIST SP 800-63B - Digital identity guidelines
• OWASP IoT Top 10 - IoT security risks

• Privacy by Design Principles
• GDPR Privacy Impact Assessment Guidelines
• NIST Privacy Framework

• Latest research on biometric template protection
• Face recognition security and privacy papers
• Attack vector analysis and countermeasures

This security policy is regularly reviewed and updated. Last updated: [Date]

For questions about this security policy, please contact the project maintainers through the project's GitHub repository.

Remember: Security is a shared responsibility. Implement appropriate safeguards for your specific use case and regulatory environment.