Overview
The conventional cryptography is claimed will be broken due to the appearance of Quantum Computer. Various PostQuantum crypto (PQC) or Quantum Safe algorithms are proposed and went to standardization like Lattice-based CRYSTALS-Kyber. However, the implementation of those algorithms in software leaks sensitive information (like private key) to side-channel (like electromagnetic field, power consumption and execution time) and can be revealed with the help of machine learning or conventional correlation power analysis (CPA). Even though complex and high computational SCA countermeasure methods are applied, the implementations still leak sensitive information. This project utilize knowledge on the architecture and pipeline execution inside microcontroller to shuffle and mix up the execution of data at different time together to increase the safety of the implementation under SCA with less increase in computational complexity and power consumption.
SCA is a real threaten to all cryptographic devices. Even though various SCA countermeasure methods like masking and functions shuffling are applied, crypto implementations are still leak sensitive information to side-channel and be able to attack. In addition, those countermeasure methods add additional executions and require more computational resources like memory, execution time and power. This project tries to increase the security of crypto implementation under SCA by applying micro shuffling in instruction and microcontroller architecture level while avoiding complex countermeasure methods like masking.
This project will:
[1] Identify the leakage points and attacking models on PQC CRYSTALS-Kyber implementations together with evaluate those implementations under SCA.
[2] Identify the data dependency in the algorithm/implementations in the context of targeted microcontroller architecture to build various possible instruction execution pipeline scenarios.
[3] Develop crypto implementation which can shuffle the execution scenarios (in micro level like data dependency inside pipeline stage).
[4] Re-evaluate the new implementations under SCA.
Funding Information
To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE or EPSRC Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £19,237 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:
• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.
Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.
Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.
Please note that other terms and conditions also apply.
Please note that any available PhD studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.
A small number of international awards will be available for allocation across the School. An international award is not guaranteed to be available for this project, and competition across the School for these awards will be highly competitive.
Academic Requirements:
The minimum academic requirement for admission is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education provider in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.