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Elie Bursztein - Deep Learning: Revolutionizing Side Channel Cryptanalysis

Elie Bursztein

Demonstrates how deep learning models outperform classical DPA attacks for power-analysis-based key extraction from AES implementations.

Summary

Deep Learning for Side Channel Attacks

Elie Bursztein (Lead Security Researcher, Google) presents research applying deep neural networks to power side-channel analysis, achieving superior key extraction performance compared to classical Differential Power Analysis (DPA).

Classical vs. ML-Based SCA

Classical DPA requires profiling attacks with a known device or relies on univariate statistical models. Neural network models trained on power traces directly learn the mapping from trace shape to intermediate computation values, handling misalignment and noise that breaks classical methods.

Convolutional Neural Network Architecture

Bursztein's approach uses CNNs to process raw power traces, with the model learning alignment-invariant features automatically. On STM32 AES implementations, the CNN recovers full 128-bit AES keys with fewer traces than classical CPA.

Open-Source Dataset and Framework

The talk releases a public power trace dataset and open-source framework for training and evaluating SCA models, enabling reproducible research.

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