ST launches MatterConnect service for secure smart-home device authentication
STMicroelectronics has launched ST MatterConnect, a service designed to simplify the secure provisioning of authentication credentials for Matter-compatible smart-home devices.
The turnkey service enables manufacturers to have authentication data securely loaded into ST’s ST25DA-C NFC tags and STSAFE-A120 secure elements during production. Credentials can include the mandatory Matter Device Attestation Certificate (DAC), cryptographic keys, product and version information, and customer-specific personalisation data.
By combining its security infrastructure with certified secure manufacturing facilities, ST can generate and provision credentials into the secure chips as part of the production process. This removes the need for equipment manufacturers to establish and operate their own secure credential-provisioning infrastructure.
“With ST MatterConnect, we deliver Matter-ready devices with the necessary certificates and keys preloaded, allowing customers to reduce operational costs and complexity, as well as accelerate time to market for new products,” said Sylvain Fidelis, Multi-Market Business Line Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Equipment makers can leverage ST’s status as an approved Product Attestation Authority (PAA) and Product Attestation Intermediate (PAI) to ensure trust and compliance without the expense of building secure provisioning infrastructure internally.”
Secure credentials for Matter devices
The ST25DA-C and STSAFE-A120 provide hardware-based security for Matter devices, protecting sensitive information such as authentication credentials and cryptographic keys.
The devices execute security functions on tamper-resistant hardware, helping protect credentials used to authenticate devices and establish trust within Matter ecosystems.
The ST25DA-C NFC tag is designed to support the Matter NFC commissioning flow, enabling users to commission compatible smart-home products by bringing an NFC-enabled device close to the product.
Matter is designed to improve interoperability between smart-home ecosystems, allowing products such as smart light bulbs, smart plugs, smoke alarms, security cameras and presence sensors to work across supported platforms without relying on multiple proprietary hubs.
STSAFE-A120 secure element
Connected to the host device through an I²C interface, the STSAFE-A120 is a secure element designed to provide authentication and security services for Matter and other IoT applications.
It can support functions including secure connection establishment and integrity verification, while protecting sensitive credentials within dedicated security hardware.
The STSAFE-A120 is based on a Common Criteria EAL5+ certified platform, providing a hardware-based foundation for security-critical IoT applications.
ST MatterConnect combines these secure hardware components with credential provisioning services, giving manufacturers a way to integrate Matter authentication into production without having to build their own secure personalisation infrastructure.
