术语表

Attack based on information gained from the implementation of a computer system, rather than weaknesses in the implemented algorithm itself (e.g. cryptanalysis and software bugs). Timing information, power consumption, electromagnetic leaks or even sound can provide an extra source of information, which can be exploited. Some side-channel attacks require technical knowledge of the internal operation of the system, although others such as differential power analysis are effective as black-box attacks.

New field of application for Side-Channel Attacks (SCA), that was recently introduced, following initial results on the GSM A3/A8 algorithm. The principle of SCARE is to use side-channel information (for instance, power consumption) as a tool to reverse-engineer some secret parts of a cryptographic implementation. SCARE has the advantage of being discrete and non-intrusive

Special methodology to make side-channel attacks

Public key cryptographic algorithm based on elliptic curves, used for e.g. generation and verification of digital signatures

Cryptographic hash function mainly used in digital signatures, message authentication codes, and pseudorandom number generators.

Symmetric encryption algorithm, specifically a blockcipher, designed for data encryption

Symmetric encryption is a method of cryptography in which a single key is responsible for encrypting and decrypting data. The parties involved share this key, the password or a secret phrase and can use them to decrypt or encrypt messages of their choice.

A complete embedded system on a single chip, which may include memory, one or more microprocessors, interface devices, or any other component necessary to perform the expected function.