Electronic Multiplication Circuit Side-Channel Attack Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic multiplication circuits have irregular current consumption patterns, making it easier for side channel attacks to synchronize and identify the phases of multiplication operations, thus compromising security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in electronic multiplication circuits that includes a first phase of multiplying operands to deliver least significant words and a second phase of 'false' multiplication with supplementary operands, generating a current consumption similar to the first phase to obscure the distinction between phases and hinder synchronization attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional multiplication circuit is used, then the multiplication operation can be performed efficiently, but the current consumption pattern becomes irregular and detectable by side channel attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplication operation is divided into two distinct phases: a first phase that performs the actual multiplication and delivers least significant words, and a second phase that performs a false multiplication with supplementary operands to deliver most significant words. This segmentation creates a structured approach to obfuscating current consumption patterns by separating the computationally intensive operations into phases with different computational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The second phase copies the structure of the first phase by performing a similar multiplication operation using supplementary operands instead of the original second operand. This copying creates a false multiplication that mirrors the first phase's structure but uses different data, thereby generating similar current consumption patterns that confuse side channel analysis while maintaining the functional output of the original multiplication.
2Reliability
If the current consumption is smoothed, then side channel attacks become more difficult, but the multiplication operation takes longer to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplication operation employs periodic alternation between two phases with different computational characteristics. The first phase performs actual multiplication operations, while the second phase performs false multiplications with supplementary operands. This periodic switching between phases creates a rhythm in the current consumption pattern that appears regular to external observers, thereby smoothing the overall consumption profile and obscuring the timing of individual multiplication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second phase maintains continuous operation by performing false multiplications that mirror the first phase's structure. This continuity ensures that the multiplication circuit remains actively engaged in computational operations throughout, preventing idle periods that would create detectable gaps in current consumption. The continuous execution of similar operational patterns smooths the overall current profile while maintaining progress toward the final multiplication result.
3Ease of operation
If a second phase with supplementary operands is added, then the current consumption pattern is smoothed, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplication circuit is designed to perform multiple functions through its two-phase structure. The same hardware resources (multiplier and adder units) are utilized in both the first phase for actual multiplication and the second phase for false multiplication. This multi-functionality allows the circuit to smooth current consumption patterns by alternating between phases without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each phase, thereby reducing the increase in circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs parameter changes by introducing supplementary operands with specific properties (such as being permutations of the original second operand or having controlled Hamming weights) in the second phase. These parameter changes in the operands, rather than fundamental changes in the circuit architecture, enable the smoothing of current consumption patterns while minimizing the increase in circuit complexity through software-controlled variation of input parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, after a first phase of multiplication, in an electronic multiplication circuit, of a first operand by a second operand leading to a successive delivery of least significant words of the result of the first multiplication, a second multiplication, of the first operand by a supplementary operand is implemented in the electronic multiplication circuit, during a second phase of multiplication. The supplementary operands are not all identical.