Compiler-Based Techniques to Secure Cryptographic Embedded Software Against Side-Channel Attacks

Side-channel attacks are a concrete and practical threat to the security of computing systems, ranging from high performance platforms to embedded devices. In this paper, we will provide a brief systematization of the current existing approaches to analyze the side-channel vulnerability of an implementation, or automatically implement countermeasures, relying on methodologies typical of compiler systems. We will dedicate a spotlight to a significant progress in the countermeasures techniques which is represented by the application of dynamic compilation techniques to prevent a side-channel attacker from devising a model of the attacked application. We conclude the work highlighting promising research directions in this field.