Tamper Resistance

a differential power analysis overview

Differential Power Analysis (DPA) is a class of attacks discovered by researchers at Cryptography Research. DPA is a powerful tool that allows cryptanalysts to extract secret keys and compromise the security of smart cards and other cryptographic devices by analyzing their power consumption. Simple Power Analysis (SPA) is a simpler form of the attack that does not require statistical analysis.

Unlike physical attacks, SPA and DPA attacks are non-invasive, easily-automated, and can be mounted without knowing the design of the target device. Cryptography Research has developed solutions for securing devices against these attacks.


Cryptography Research and DPA

Cryptography Research is committed to helping companies understand and address issues related to cryptography and security. The following links provide more information about our technologies and services.

Patent Licensing

The Cryptography Research patent portfolio includes numerous fundamental patents relating to DPA and countermeasures. A license to these patents is required to make, use, or sell DPA-resistant devices. To encourage education and research, free licenses are available for qualifying non-commercial use.

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Services

The Cryptography Research technical staff can perform and assist with all stages of cryptosystem specification, design, and validation. Our hardware evaluation lab also performs security evaluations on smart cards and other cryptographic devices.

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Evaluation Hardware

The Cryptography Research DPA Workstation simplifies the task of testing devices for power analysis vulnerabilities.

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