Cryptography Research and Mikron JSC sign patent license agreement for DPA countermeasures

SAN FRANCISCO, USA & MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Cryptography Research Inc. (CRI), a division of Rambus, and Mikron JSC (Mikron), a division of SITRONICS JSC, have signed a license agreement regarding the use of CRI’s patents in Mikron products, including Mikron’s secure integrated circuits. Incorporation of CRI’s patented technology can protect Mikron’s tamper-resistant products against differential power analysis (DPA) and related attacks.

“Mikron produces a wide range of ICs for secure ID systems and various smart cards using payment applications that require the highest security rating. Security is a major focus for Mikron, and our strategy is to develop advanced secure microcontrollers with protection against a multitude of attacks. DPA Countermeasures are a critical security requirement, and this agreement will enable Mikron to strengthen its leadership in the security market," said Gennady Krasnikov, CEO at Mikron JSC.

“Protecting electronic devices and security systems from power analysis attacks is critical. CRI’s patented countermeasures to DPA are a vital part of building tamper-resistant semiconductors," said Paul Kocher, president and chief scientist of CRI. "Mikron is the largest Russian chip supplier for a variety of industries and we are pleased to include them as our first Russia-based licensed chip supplier."

DPA is a form of attack that involves monitoring variations in electrical power consumption of a target device and then using statistical methods to derive cryptographic keys or other secrets. Strong countermeasures to DPA are important for securing mobile devices, bank cards, pay television systems, secure identity products, secure storage media, and other electronic systems and components. Many of the world’s leading security standards include requirements that devices be protected against DPA and related attacks.

CRI has developed a portfolio of over 55 patents covering countermeasures to DPA attacks, with additional patent applications pending.