Key technologies

Side-Channel Resistant Post-Quantum Cryptology (SCA4PQC)

  1. Status: Planned Program

Virtual information and partnering event on November 27, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

Please register by November 20 using this form.
Deadline for submission of presentation slides is November 25, 2024.

“SCA4PQC” research program:

The research program Side-Channel Analysis for Post-Quantum Cryptology (SCA4PQC) investigates countermeasures to side-channel attacks on asymmetric, cryptographic post-quantum methods. The aim is to (further) develop cryptosystems that are not only protected against attacks from classical and quantum computers, but whose implementation also resists common and foreseeable new side-channel attacks. The focus here is primarily on high, holistic side-channel resistance, which is to be ensured by efficient countermeasures. See below for more information.

The aim of the information and partnering event:

The aim of the event is to introduce the Cyberagentur and the research project, to inform about the organizational side of the award and to network experts from various disciplines who have expertise and interest in researching countermeasures to side-channel attacks on asymmetric post-quantum cryptosystems.

The research program Side-Channel Analysis for Post-Quantum Cryptology (SCA4PQC) investigates countermeasures to side-channel attacks on asymmetric, cryptographic post-quantum methods. The aim is to (further) develop cryptosystems that are not only protected against attacks from classical and quantum computers, but whose implementation also resists common and foreseeable new side-channel attacks. The focus here is primarily on high, holistic side-channel resistance, which is to be ensured by efficient countermeasures. See below for more information.

The aim of the information and partnering event:

The aim of the event is to introduce the Cyberagentur and the research project, to inform about the organizational side of the award and to network experts from various disciplines who have expertise and interest in researching countermeasures to side-channel attacks on asymmetric post-quantum cryptosystems.

Preliminary agenda:
  1. Presentation of the Cyberagentur
  2. Presentation of the research program
  3. Information on the awarding and awarding platform
  4. Optional : Introduction of the participants
  5. Q&A
Procedure of the introductory round:

Per participant:

  • A PowerPoint slide (template will be provided after registration) with the most important facts and contact details of the participants, which can then be made available for mutual exchange.

A maximum of three minutes speaking time in the introduction round, depending on the number of participants

Netiquette:

The digital space is intended to promote exchange and has its starting point in a critical and constructive, but above all respectful interaction with one another. We would therefore kindly ask you to treat each other with respect.

Data protection information for participation in the online event.


Background

Digital security is facing a new challenge due to the development of computationally powerful quantum computers, as many of the currently used cryptographic methods are at risk of breaking. Although post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms have long been studied as a promising precautionary measure, vulnerabilities in real-world physical implementations of cryptosystems, so-called side-channel attacks, pose an additional threat. These attacks can endanger even cryptographically securely modeled procedures by additionally correlating information. For example, power consumption, time measurements or electromagnetic emissions are used to reconstruct secret keys.

Aim

The aim of the SCA4PQC program is to develop cryptographic methods that are provably resistant to mathematical attacks from classical and quantum computers, as well as to all common side-channel attacks. The focus is on developing efficient countermeasures that ensure holistic side-channel resistance in order to withstand future threats from new side-channel techniques. The program aims to ensure that the cryptosystems developed remain practicable and secure in real applications.

Disruptive Risk Research

The research program aims to identify technological and security breakthroughs at an early stage in order to fundamentally secure existing systems in the context of post-quantum cryptology by developing new methods. Identifying and mitigating risks that could arise from the combination of new quantum-based attacks and advanced side-channel techniques will be critical to anticipating as many attack vectors as possible and developing robust solutions before the technologies become widely deployed.

Contact us

sca4pqc@cyberagentur.de

Questions about the programme? Please write to us:

  1. Program team: Key Technologies | Cryptology
  2. E-Mail: sca4pqc@cyberagentur.de

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