Artificial Noise Generator for Side-Channel Attack Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently block side-channel leakage, making them vulnerable to side-channel attacks (SCAs) that exploit physical parameters like power consumption and electromagnetic emission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an energy-efficient method for generating artificial noise to mask side-channel leakage, using a computer-implemented system that stores secret values, executes cryptographic operations, and generates artificial noise samples based on power constraint parameters to overlay over side-channel signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional noise generation methods are used to mask side-channel leakage, then security against SCAs is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of noise generation by using constrained random sequences with specific statistical properties (e.g., balanced sequences with equal numbers of 0s and 1s, controlled transition patterns) instead of traditional uniform random noise. This allows achieving adequate masking效果 while reducing the power consumption of the noise generator circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies noise masking selectively to specific time intervals when secret data is being processed, rather than continuously. By detecting when cryptographic operations involving secret keys are occurring and applying noise only during those intervals, the system reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining security during critical operations.
2Reliability
If continuous noise generation is used to mask side-channel signals, then masking effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic noise generation synchronized with the cryptographic operation timeline. Noise is generated and applied in periodic bursts corresponding to when secret data processing occurs, rather than continuous generation. This timing-synchronized approach maintains masking effectiveness during critical operations while allowing the noise generator to remain inactive during non-critical periods, reducing energy consumption.
3Reliability
If high-power noise generation is used to block side-channel leakage, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pseudo-random sequences generated by linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) or other deterministic generators that replicate the statistical properties of true random noise without requiring complex hardware. These copied sequences provide adequate masking效果 with simpler, more power-efficient circuitry compared to true random number generators.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for energy efficient generation of artificial noise to prevent side-channel attacks. An example method includes storing at least one secret value including secret value bits. At least one cryptographic operation is executed based on the at least one secret value. An artificial sequence generator stores at least one state indication based on a plurality of previous cryptographic operations executed on the device. A plurality of samples of artificial noise are generated, and a number of the plurality of samples is based on at least one power constraint parameter. Each sample of artificial noise of the plurality of samples of artificial noise is overlaid over a respective portion of a side channel signal based on the at least one state indication to mask leakage information associated with the at least one secret value on the side channel signal.