Hardware Security Project: extensive comparison of various side-channels setups.

Mgr. Daud Naveed

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Side-channel analysis (SCA) is an important technique for evaluating the security of cryptographic devices, enabling the extraction of sensitive information by exploiting unintended side-channel leakage. Recent advancements in SCA have led to the utilization of various measurement setups, ranging from high-end commercial probes to low-cost open-source alternatives. This thesis presents a comparative analysis of these measurement setups, focusing on their performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of setup. The study begins with a review of existing literature on SCA measurement setups, including power measurements, leakage detection, and statistical analysis tools. It highlights previous research contributions and discusses the challenges and opportunities in SCA. Our research compares four probes, including high-end commercial and various open-source options. We use metrics like key rank evolution and Test Vector Leakage Assessment (TVLA) to evaluate each setup's leakage quality and efficiency in performing Correlation Power Analysis (CPA) attacks. Additionally, we consider ease of setup, required technical knowledge, and user-friendliness, offering a comprehensive view of each setup's real-world applicability. Through a cost-performance analysis, this thesis shows that while high-end commercial probe provide superior measurement quality, affordable open-source tools can achieve similar results with proper optimization. Our findings emphasize the potential of low-budget setups in practical SCA applications and demonstrate the cost-performance trade-off. By bridging gaps in existing literature and providing practical insights into SCA measurement setups, this research contributes to advancing the field of side-channel analysis and facilitating informed decision-making for researchers and practitioners alike.

Keywords

Side-Channel Analysis, Measurement Setup, Power SCA, Key Rank Evolution, Test Vector Leakage Assessment, Correlation Power Analysis

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 5. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 18. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: PhD Lukasz Michal Chmielewski
• Reader: RNDr. Ján Jančár

Masaryk University

Faculty of Informatics

Master programme / field:
Software Systems and Services Management / Cybersecurity Management