Protection of the execution of an algorithm against side-channel attacks

摘要

A protection mechanism for the execution of an encryption algorithm is disclosed. In the mechanism the encryption algorithm has its execution preceded by an update of a counter stored in a reprogrammable non-volatile memory. Storing the value of the counter into the memory corresponds with the execution of the algorithm.

主权项

1. A method to protect execution of an encryption algorithm, comprising:
updating a counter before execution of the encryption algorithm, the counter configured for storage in a reprogrammable non-volatile memory; and storing a value of the counter into the reprogrammable non-volatile memory during execution of the encryption algorithm, wherein the storing includes:
activating a write function of the reprogrammable non-volatile memory;writing a value of the counter in the reprogrammable non-volatile memory, the writing of the value corresponding with beginning execution of the encryption algorithm or after execution of the encryption algorithm begins; anddeactivating the write function of the memory.