A robust algorithm for DPA-resistant ECC

A power analysis attack is an efficient way to break general ECC encryption implementations in hardware. The simple power attack (SPA) and the differential power attack (DPA) were initial mechanisms power analysis attacks. More advanced power attack techniques applicable to elliptic curve cryptosystems, such as refined power analysis (RPA) and zero power analysis (ZPA), were introduced. These techniques use the special features of the elliptic curve where the power consumption is zero to attack the implementation. In this paper, we also present a differential power analysis (DPA) attack using an initial value, called an ¿initial value DPA¿ attack, which can compromise Kim´s countermeasure against power analysis attacks. We then propose a novel countermeasure which provides a better defense against both SPA and DPA attacks.