Side-Channel Attacks with Quantum Sensing (SCA-QS)
Background
Side-channel attacks (SCA) are generally attacks to extract otherwise hidden information, properties of program routines or reveal the physical implementation of cryptographic systems. Information such as passwords, encryption keys or other sensitive data on electronic chips can be uncovered by analyzing physical characteristics of the system such as power consumption, electromagnetic emissions or the time sequence of processes during operation. The attacks can also be used to circumvent security measures, especially specific encryption, and pose a threat to the confidentiality of data. Various types of sensors can be used for these attacks.
Quantum sensors are sensors that use the properties of quantum mechanics to optimize precision in their intended field of application and, if possible, exceed the limits of classical sensors. They are used in many different ways, e.g. in microscopes, systems for positioning (trapped atoms / ions), communication (photonics), measurement of electromagnetic fields (NV centers, atoms, SQUIDs), seismology and time measurement (atomic clocks). They achieve accuracies that in some cases far exceed those of conventional sensors.
Aim
The research project "side channel attacks with quantum sensing" (SCA-QS) aims to identify potential new attack vectors on microchips using quantum sensors. In principle, quantum sensing technology (QS) offers the possibility of measuring physical parameters with higher resolution, sensitivity or otherwise better. The suitability of different physical quantum sensing approaches for side channel attacks (SCA) on microchips will therefore be evaluated and analyzed in comparison with current methods. In addition, the project aims to bring together scientists from the fields of quantum sensing technology and side-channel attacks in order to facilitate a long-term exchange. The target technology readiness level (TRL) at the end of the project is 3 to 4, depending on the technology.
Disruptive Risk Research
The project combines two areas that otherwise have no overlap: that of classical side-channel attacks and that of quantum sensing. The aim of the project is to bring these communities together to explore the potential of quantum sensing technology for novel side-channel attacks.
Department
Key technologies, Quantum technologies
Contact
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