This blog list out Side-Channel Attack Interview Questions. A side-Channel attack is still in much of the research phase. But if you succeed in executing this type of attack, the secret key of encryption algorithms may be revealed.

Q. What is Side-Channel Attack?

Ans: This type of attack, not target directly the program or code of the computer system rather this type of attack utilizes leak information such as information related to timings, power consumption, electromagnetic leaks, or acoustic (sound) information used to exploit computer systems.

Q. List out types of Side-Channel Attacks.

Ans: Cache attack, Power monitoring attack, Timing attack, Acoustic cryptanalysis, Differential fault analysis, optical side-channel attack are some of the types of side-channel attacks.

Q. Is machine learning helpful in side-channel attacks?

Ans: While attacking a computer system via a side-channel analysis, attackers gather so much data which is very difficult to analyze manually. Use of machine learning help in understanding the raw data easily and help in getting meaningful information.

Q. How to prevent side-channel attacks?

Ans: By following a few practices useful in preventing side-channel attacks:

  • Usage of business-grade equipment
  • If possible, restrict physical access of hardware
  • Usage of faraday cages and power conditioning to shield power related attacks
  • Address space layout randomization (ASLR) helps in the prevention of memory- or cache-based attacks
  • ElectroMagnetic (EM) emission shielding
  • Usage of Anti-tamper protection modules

Q. What is a Timing Attack?

Ans: This type of attack utilizes the information related to the time taken to perform cryptographic operations and helps in identifying secret keys of cryptosystems.

Q. What are power consumptions attacks?

Ans: This type of attack utilizes information related to power consumption information to perform encryption operations and helps in identifying or recovering secret keys of cryptosystems.

Q. What are Differential Fault Analysis (DFA) attacks?

Ans: This type of attack utilizes the response by introducing fault in a computer system to extract secret keys of cryptosystems.