A simple and low cost platform to perform Power Analysis Attacks

Power Analysis Attacks use the fact that power consumption in modern microprocessors and cryptographic devices depends on the instructions executed on them and so, it varies with time. This leak- age is mainly used to deduce cryptographic keys as well as algorithms by direct observation of power traces. Power Analysis is a recent field of study that has been developed for the last decade. Since then, the techniques used have evolved into more complex forms, that some- times require a variety of skills that makes the subject difficult to start with. Nowadays it is changeling to tackle the problem without expen- sive equipment; what is more, the off-the-shelf solutions to do Power Analysis Attacks are rare and expensive. This thesis aim to provide a low cost and open platform as an entry point to Power Analysis for a price under 10 USD. Besides that, it is designed to be able to per- form Simple Power Analysis and Differential Power Analysis attacks to a 8 bit microcontroller, including the software needed to automate the process of taking the measurements. Finally, the platform can be extended to cover a wide range of microcontrollers, microprocessors and cryptographic devices by simple insertion in a bread board, which makes it the perfect device for new comers to the field