Microsoft Events presents an in-depth Ignite session featuring David Abzarian and Karan Dhillon, highlighting Surface innovation in Windows device security through memory-safe Rust firmware, open source drivers, and collaborative technology initiatives.

Advancing Windows Device Security with Surface Innovation and Memory-Safe Rust Drivers

Speakers: David Abzarian, Karan Dhillon
Session: Microsoft Ignite 2025, Breakout BRK338

Overview

This session details Microsoft’s approach to strengthening Windows device security, especially on Surface hardware, through innovative firmware engineering and collaborative development. Microsoft demonstrates a commitment to secure device platforms by embracing:

  • Use of the Rust programming language for firmware and driver development
  • Memory safety for reducing device vulnerabilities
  • Open source projects enabling broad participation (including windows-drivers-rs)

Session Chapters

1. Device-Level Security Insights

Get a comprehensive view of threats and protection strategies at the hardware and firmware level, with insight into modern Secure Core PC and hardware-based safeguards.

2. Device Firmware Configuration Interface (DFCI)

Examine how organizations and IT teams can manage device firmware securely using DFCI, increasing control over device configuration and deployment.

3. Rust for Safer Driver and Firmware Development

  • Introduction to Rust and its value as a memory-safe programming language
  • How Surface leverages Rust for building secure Embedded Controllers and device drivers
  • Launch of Cargo WDK, simplifying Rust driver setup for Windows

4. windows-drivers-rs Project and Open Device Partnership (ODP)

  • Overview of the open-source windows-drivers-rs project for driver development in Rust
  • Participation in the Open Device Partnership (ODP) to foster collaborative hardware and software security innovation

Key Takeaways

  • Reduced Vulnerabilities: Memory-safe Rust drivers prevent common memory issues (such as buffer overflows), directly reducing device attack surfaces.
  • Improved Reliability: More secure and resilient hardware and firmware increase Windows platform trustworthiness.
  • Collaboration: Microsoft invites IT and engineering communities to participate in open source projects and hardware/software partnerships to build safer technology ecosystems.

Resources

About the Speakers

David Abzarian and Karan Dhillon are technical leads at Microsoft, specializing in secure systems engineering for Surface and Windows.