Side-channel resistant PUF feature extraction
A physically unclonable function (PUF) is a function embodied in a physical structure that consists of many random characteristics originating from uncontrollable process variations during manufacturing. PUFs are considered unclonable because it is extremely difficult to build a hardware clone, i.e. reproduce the random characteristics in another device.
Among other applications, PUFs are a promising tool for secure key storage. Rather than being written in some memory cell, from where it could possibly be recovered by a physical attack (e.g. microprobing), the key becomes an integral part of the device's structure: the device can reconstruct the key when needed by probing its physical structure, but this key cannot easily be read by an external observer. Moreover, any attempt to access this structure from the outside is likely to alter it, and hence destroy the secret key.
However, the benefit of this approach might become void if the reconstruction step itself can be exploited to leak the key. Side-channel attacks, which try to exploit the physical behaviour of a computing device in order to recover the parameters being manipulated, constitute here an important potential threat.
The main objective of this project is to analyse the side-channel resistance of key extraction algorithms, design a protected algorithm and implement it on a resource-limited device. The project duration is 24 months. The researcher will benefit from the dynamic research environment of the UCL Crypto Group (Université catholique de Louvain), with strong interactions with researchers working on related subjects.
The candidate should hold a PhD in electronics, computer science or mathematics, with strong interests in algorithmic and signal processing. A preliminary background in cryptology and side-channel attacks is an important asset. Due to specific funding rules, the candidate should be an EU citizen.
Candidates are invited to send a resume and motivation letter to the following contact person:
Pr. Francois-Xavier Standaert -- fstandae at uclouvain.be