Non-Volatile Memory Write Randomization for Signal Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for writing data in non-volatile memory to detect operating anomalies and prevent attacks do not effectively mask the differences in electrical or electromagnetic signals between normal and anomaly detection operations, making it possible for attackers to distinguish between the two and potentially interrupt the system.
Innovation Solution
A method where the location of writing during normal operation is randomly determined among multiple locations in the non-volatile memory, ensuring that the observable signals vary similarly to those during anomaly detection, thus obscuring the distinction for attackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If writing is performed at fixed locations in the non-volatile memory for normal and anomaly operations, then the writing process is simple and deterministic, but attackers can distinguish between normal and anomaly detection operations by analyzing electrical or electromagnetic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the writing location dynamic rather than fixed. During normal operation, data is written to a randomly determined location in the second zone, while during anomaly detection, data is written to a fixed location in the first zone. This dynamic approach causes observable signal variations that prevent attackers from distinguishing between normal and anomaly operations, thereby improving security without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of writing location from fixed to variable. By introducing randomness in the selection of writing locations during normal operation, the electrical and electromagnetic signals produced during normal operation vary and become indistinguishable from those produced during anomaly detection, thus enhancing security while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If writing routines are designed without regard to producing constant observable signals, then the implementation is simpler, but attackers can detect anomaly detection by analyzing signal differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the writing location dynamic during normal operation by randomly selecting locations from the second zone, which causes natural variation in observable signals. This dynamic approach provides protection against attack detection without requiring complex signal masking routines, thus maintaining ease of implementation while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the writing location parameter dynamically during normal operation, which naturally produces varying electrical and electromagnetic signals. This parameter change approach provides inherent signal masking without requiring additional complex routines, balancing implementation simplicity with security effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for writing in a non-volatile memory (6) of an electronic entity (1), said method including the following steps: - determining an operational state of the electronic entity (1); - writing a first datum in a first area of the non-volatile memory (6) in case of abnormal operation; - writing a second datum in a second area of the non-volatile memory (6) in case of normal operation. The method includes a step for randomly determining a location for the second area from among a plurality of locations for the second area, said writing of the datum in the second area being carried out in the determined location. The invention also relates to a related electronic entity.