Microsoft signs anti-hacking licence

Microsoft works to prevent hacking

Microsoft has teamed up with an encryption company to help prevent modern hacking attacks.

Cryptography company Cryptography Research has announced a licence agreement with Microsoft to thwart Differential Power Analysis (DPA) hacking.

DPA is a type of hacking that involves monitoring the fluctuating electrical power consumption of a device while it is being used.

For example, monitoring the power consumption of a device containing cryptographic keys, like for example smart cards, whilst inputting test keys electronically.

Advanced statistical methods are then used to derive cryptographic keys and other secrets.

DPA is defined as a 'side channel attack'. This means it is an attack based on information gained from physical cryptographic hardware, rather than software oriented methods.

Other side channels include electromagnetic radiation leaks or sound analysis.

President and chief scientist at Cryptography Research Paul Kocher said, " DPA countermeasures are becoming increasingly important for complex devices."

Such devices include pay TV security and anti-counterfeiting technology to safeguard medical devices, aircraft parts and even printer consumables.

Countermeasures to DPA are important to protect information used in mobile devices and banking, for example.