DPA countermeasures safeguard hardware security modules against side-channel attacks

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – December 13, 2016 –  Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ:RMBS) today announced it has renewed its DPA countermeasures license agreement with Thales e-Security. Under this new five-year agreement, the Thales line of hardware security modules (HSMs) will be protected against side-channel attacks in a variety of systems, including high-performance data center appliances. Specific terms of the agreement are confidential.

“Cyber-threats and attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. Thales products are designed to help organizations stay ahead of the security game by protecting sensitive information from compromise,” said Cindy Provin, chief strategy and marketing officer at Thales e-Security. “By adding Rambus DPA countermeasures, we are able to protect against side-channel attacks, which adds an important element in our robust data security solutions.”

DPA countermeasures, developed by Rambus Cryptography Research, consist of a broad range of software, hardware and protocol techniques that protect devices from side-channel attacks. DPA is a type of side-channel attack that monitors variations in the electrical power consumption or electro-magnetic emissions from a target device. These measurements can then be used to obtain cryptographic keys and other sensitive information from semiconductors.

“Thales recognizes the various threats posed by side-channel attacks and has developed solutions that help their customers in businesses, governments, and technology sectors mitigate the growing risk associated with these types of attacks,” said Dr. Martin Scott, senior vice president and general manager of the Security Division at Rambus. “Strong countermeasures against these attacks provide the security needed to protect sensitive data and make sure attacks are thwarted.”

DPA countermeasures are implemented in tamper-resistant products used in applications for aerospace and defense, secure communications, automotive, mobile, and content protection among others. For additional information on DPA Countermeasures, visit  rambus.com/security/dpa-countermeasures/.