Consumer Exposure to Counterfeit Hardware

The proliferation of counterfeit hardware in the ecosystem affects both individuals (i.e., consumers) and organizations (e.g., governments, educational institutions, corporations, etc.). Despite best efforts from marketplaces and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), consumers are still subject to a dizzying array of choices and decisions which may not always lead to the purchase of a genuine product. Those who mistakenly purchase counterfeit hardware are exposed to financial, physical safety, privacy, and security risks. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic may have only exacerbated the issue at global scale.