Project Details
Projekt
Towards Secure Electroforming-free Memristive Cryptographic Implementations (MemCrypto)
Applicants
Dr.-Ing. Nan Du, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Ilia Polian
Subject Area
Computer Architecture, Embedded and Massively Parallel Systems
Term
since 2020
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 439827659
Memristors, with their exceptional properties and diverse applications, have emerged as a key technology in the field of cryptography. During the first funding phase of this project (MemCrypto1), we could demonstrate the feasibility of memristive cryptographic circuits through simulation (using newly developed mixed-level techniques) and experiments on fabricated hardware, and explore their vulnerability to physical attacks. We obtained numerous findings, including new information leakage mechanisms that do not exist in conventional CMOS, and established an understanding of inherent imperfections associated with memristive technologies. The outcomes of MemCrypto1 and new insights from related fields serve as the foundation for the goals and objectives of MemCrypto2. In the second funding phase, we plan to advance the field of memristive cryptography by introducing several key novelties. First, development of larger and more complex memristive cryptographic circuits based on the mixed-mode (MM) paradigm, which utilizes input-controlled writing (Wic) and reading (Ric) operations. These MM circuits offer improved efficiency, compactness, and flexibility compared to traditional memristive circuits, while also mitigating non-idealities and endurance issues. Second, optimize and scale generic synthesis procedures for secure MM cryptographic circuits on large crossbars that fully leverage the capabilities of the technology, incorporate advanced fabrication technologies and are protected against advanced attacks. Third, explore vulnerabilities against physical attacks, particularly focusing on fault-injection attacks, to further enhance the security of the cryptographic circuits. Fourth, transition to integrated protection strategies that incorporate hiding and masking techniques at different levels of abstraction to enhance the robustness of the circuits across a wide range of technology parameters. MemCrypto2 is an interdisciplinary tandem project that will greatly benefit from the successful collaboration between the two applicants, Ilia Polian and Nan Du, proven by a number of joint publications. Ilia Polian brings expertise in hardware-oriented security, design of complex electronic circuits, and protections against physical attacks. On the other hand, Nan Du, a co-inventor of the electroforming free BiFeO3 based memristive device family utilized in MemCrypto1, offers valuable knowledge in fabrication, characterization, optimization, modeling, and simulation of memristive devices. Together, the applicants form a well-rounded team with complementary abilities, enabling them to holistically address all relevant security aspects associated with the utilization of memristive technologies for cryptographic circuits. Their combined expertise and collaboration will ensure a comprehensive approach towards developing secure and efficient memristive cryptographic circuits in the MemCrypto2 project.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
