Side-Channel-Attack
A side-channel attack is a way of hacking into computer systems by analyzing data that is unintentionally leaked when the system is running. This data can reveal sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords or confidential data.
The attack takes advantage of a “side channel”, or a type of pathway that allows data to be leaked unintentionally from the system. This can include things like electromagnetic radiation, power fluctuations, or sounds that the computer makes.
By analyzing these types of data, attackers can figure out what operations are occurring inside the system and use this information to decode sensitive information.
Many systems are vulnerable to side-channel attacks, particularly those that use encryption to protect data. To protect against these types of attacks, developers must anticipate how their systems might leak information and take steps to prevent this from happening. This can include using special shields or filters to minimize electromagnetic radiation and sound generation, reducing the amount of power used by the system, or introducing randomness to the system to make it harder to predict what operations are taking place.
Overall, side-channel attacks are a serious risk for many computer systems, but with the right precautions, it is possible to minimize this risk and keep sensitive data safe from prying eyes.