Attackers can bypass seemingly strong cryptographic protections by observing subtle variations in power consumption, processing time, or electromagnetic emissions from devices. This article details the mechanisms of side-channel attacks, why the risks are escalating in the IoT realm, and recommends strategies for companies to confront this invisible threat.
Historically, side-channel attacks were considered specialized threats requiring advanced setup, yet the advent of IoT has dramatically broadened the attack surface. Critical areas such as automobiles and medical devices face new vulnerabilities from these attacks, necessitating improved security measures. The industry’s push for low-cost IoT devices often limits the investment in necessary security measures, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
To combat these attacks, companies must shift their mindset from believing that standard cryptographic algorithms ensure safety. Instead, the focus should be on the “implementation level” security, involving techniques like constant-time implementations and power analysis defenses. Furthermore, early adoption of side-channel evaluation in the development process is crucial for uncovering potential weaknesses before products reach the market. Using integrated testing platforms can streamline this process, allowing engineers to focus on verification rather than environmental setup.
👉 Pročitaj original: CIO Magazine
