Software Self-Testing of a Symmetric Cipher with Error Detection Capability

Abstract

Cryptographic devices are recently implemented with different countermeasures against side channel attacks and fault analysis. Moreover, some usual testing techniques, such as scan chains, are not allowed or restricted for security requirements. In this paper, we analyze the impact that error detecting schemes have on the testability of an implementation of the advanced encryption standard, in particular when software-based self-test techniques are envisioned. We show that protection schemes can improve concurrent error detection, but make initial testing more difficult.