Enhancements to improve side channel resistance

US10789358B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cryptography Research, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Sami James Saab · San Francisco, US
• Elke De Mulder · Kirkland, US
• Pankaj Rohatgi · Hartsdale, US
• Craig E. Hampel · San Jose, US
• Jeremy R. Cooper · North Bend, US
• Winthrop John Wu · Shrewsbury, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 29, 2020
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F2221/2143
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments herein facilitate resisting side channel attacks through various implementations and combinations of implementations. In embodiments, this is accomplished by preventing sensitive data from consecutively following other data through potentially vulnerable resources which otherwise may cause data to leak. Where such vulnerabilities to attacks are known, suspected, or as a proactive precaution, a cleaner can be used to inhibit the sensitive data from passing through the vulnerable areas consecutively and thus inhibit the leakage. Embodiments also envision utilizing certain types of circuits to assist in preventing leakage. By using such circuits one can reduce or even potentially eliminate the requirement for cleaners as mentioned previously.