a hacker can figure out a key code by reading the amount of energy a semiconductor chip uses while processing. | technews

Fortt: How did you figure that out? Do you know of any systems that have been compromised using that method?

Kocher: We first discovered the problem in the mid 1990's while studying low-cost, non-invasive ways that keys could be compromised. We then found statistical methods that could identify keys even if the measurement quality is very poor, which made the attack very powerful. Pirates attacking pay TV systems have used power analysis attacks. Companies that make knock-off ink cartridges have also used the approach. Smart cards of all kinds also need to be protected, including those used for payment, mobile telephony, and identity applications. | utilitybelt

power analysis attacks are also known on rfid tacks.