ND-ETCRYPTOUC

New Directions in Efficient and Tamper-Resilient Public-Key Cryptography for Ubiquitous Computing

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Emerging ubiquitous devices such as WSN nodes and RFID tags, which have extremely limited resources, require complex cryptographic algorithms for security & privacy. While widely used cryptographic algorithms are known to be strong against computational resources of an attacker, the real threat comes from fault and side-channel attacks which try to extract the cryptographic key by utilizing the flaws in the implementation of an algorithm rather than the algorithm itself, e.g. side-channel attacks exploit information such as timing, power dissipation or electromagnetic emanation. This threat becomes more significant for WSN nodes, or RFID tags, with limited cryptographic capabilities and air as the easily tappable communication medium. Hence, it is crucial that cryptographic algorithms for these devices are implemented targeting side-channel resistance and tamper-resilience as well as performance. This project has three main objectives: 1) Investigation of efficient frequency domain arithmetic algorithms for standard cryptographic schemes; 2) Investigation of the feasibility of area/power-efficient realization of these algorithms for constrained ubiquitous devices through proof-of-concept implementations; 3) Investigation of the potential inherent tamper-resilience and side-chanel resistance of frequency domain arithmetic for robust cryptographic implementations. This timely and interdisciplinary project will draw knowledge from diverse fields such as hardware engineering and applied mathematics to provide security to emerging ubiquitous devices. It will also help with the successful reintegration of Dr. Baktir into the European Research Area and give him the necessary resources to establish his research in Europe. Furthermore, it will significantly help transfer of knowledge to the host through cutting edge research, lasting co-operation with the third country and training of young researchers, and thus contribute to the European excellence in research.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU project fostered collaboration in the field of cryptography. The resulting new applications of cryptographic algorithms mean faster and better encryption, and help to secure certain wireless devices.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Certain kinds of computer networking systems, for example those connecting wireless sensors or tags, are vulnerable to hacking. While the systems are well protected against direct attacks, they can be accessed via indirect means that extract the cryptographic key and other secondary data.

Addressing the problem was the EU-funded 'New directions in efficient and tamper-resilient public-key cryptography for ubiquitous computing' (ND-ETCRYPTOUC) project. The main goal was to secure the relevant devices, by making effective public-key cryptography available for use in this context. The availability was to be achieved via three complex technical objectives based on cryptographic algorithms.

A further purpose was developing the career of one Turkish researcher, through a series of collaborative exchanges, hence also fostering knowledge transfer with Europe. The project ran for four years, concluding in June 2014.

In the first reporting period, the first objective was fully achieved. The second two were partially accomplished, and will be completed during subsequent periods.

The researcher met and worked with numerous other researchers at universities and commercial organisations in Europe and Turkey. In a series of proposals, his applications of various algorithms helped improve cryptographic speed and performance. The results of the collaborations were published as conference and journal papers. He also presented various guest lectures and seminars, plus designed and taught several well-received comprehensive postgraduate courses. Additionally, he supervised a group of research students.

Thanks to the ND-ETCRYPTOUC project, vulnerable devices will be better protected. The exchanges have also led to positive collaboration with European researchers and institutions.