Voltage Adjustment Circuit for Cold Boot Attack Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory devices are vulnerable to hardware-level attacks, such as cold boot attacks, where unauthorized access is gained by preserving the operating state and switching the memory device to a nefarious system, which existing technologies fail to effectively protect against.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a security mechanism with a voltage adjustment circuit that adjusts internal processing voltages in response to non-operating conditions, such as low temperatures, to intentionally corrupt the operating states and data, leveraging existing processes like refresh operations to protect against unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory device operates normally without protection mechanisms, then the data access speed and operational efficiency are maintained, but the device becomes vulnerable to hardware-level attacks such as cold boot attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting temperature conditions in advance and proactively adjusting processing voltages before an attack can succeed. The temperature sensor continuously monitors conditions, and when a cold boot attack condition is detected (low temperature), the system preemptively corrupts data by adjusting voltages to non-operational levels, preventing the attack before it can complete
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting processing voltages based on temperature conditions. The voltage adjustment circuit modifies voltage parameters from operational levels to non-operational levels when cold boot conditions are detected, and restores them when normal conditions return. This parameter transformation enables the system to switch between secure and operational states
2Reliability
If the voltage adjustment circuit corrupts data immediately upon detecting non-operating conditions, then data protection is achieved, but the response time must be shorter than the attack execution time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements skipping by rapidly transitioning the voltage parameters from operational to non-operational levels as quickly as possible upon detecting cold boot conditions. The voltage adjustment circuit is designed to effect this change in the shortest possible time, rushing through the protection action before the attacker can complete their objective
3Ease of manufacture
If the memory device uses existing refresh operations for protection, then the protection mechanism leverages existing processes, but the refresh interval may be too long for effective protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refresh operation adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the refresh interval based on detected temperature conditions - using normal refresh intervals during operation but switching to immediate voltage adjustment when cold boot conditions are detected. This dynamic behavior allows the system to leverage existing refresh infrastructure while achieving rapid protection response when needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects stored data by corrupting it within a response duration that is significantly shorter than the time required for a hardware-level attack, ensuring the data remains secure against unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a voltage adjustment circuit configured to adjust one or more processing voltages of the apparatus to a non-operational level in response to the trigger output
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems related to protecting an apparatus against unauthorized accesses or usages are described. The apparatus may include a data protection circuit that protects an operating state of the apparatus, data stored in the apparatus, or a combination thereof when a temperature of the apparatus is outside of an operating range thereof.