Project Info
*Assessment of IoT Processor Security by Measuring Radiated Side-Channels
Peter Aaen
paaen@mines.edu
As the internet-of-things becomes a reality we will live in a world where there are significantly more sensors and embedded processors that will be in use. In this project we will look to measure the radiated electromagnetic emissions above common processors used in these systems and to develop a detection methodology to assess if the processor is running malicious code. This will all be done using non-contacting magnetic or electric field measurements above the circuit. With the field measurements we hope to then create a mapping between field measurements and processor operation so that we can understand what the processor is computing. With this in-place we hope to then detect when malicious code is present and running.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
Dr. Aaen maintains a website with several of his latest publications and an overview of his teams research some of which included electromagnetic field measurement. https://people.mines.edu/paaen/
A paper that may be of interest:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742287619301616
Primary Contacts:
Dr. Aaen, paaen@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The student should have a good knowledge of circuit theory, understanding how to use and program processors, for example a raspberry PI, a desire to learn and perform spectrum analyzer measurements, and a willingness to analyze data in Matlab.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
4-5 hours
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will gain significant experience in several areas. First they will learn how to develop and manage a program of research and learn how to create research plans. The student will also learn standard microwave measurement techniques, circuit simulation techniques, and techniques to present and analyze data.
MENTORING PLAN
The student will join Dr. Aaen’s research team and have frequent interactions with him and his students. Once the objectives of the project have been agreed upon the student will meet with Dr. Aaen every two weeks to share progress, present results and plan next steps. The students will also be able to interact with other research students and Dr. Aaen either in person or via the team’s slack group.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Sophomore
Junior
Senior