Amini, E.; Beyreuther, A.; Herfurth, N.; Steigert, A.; Szyska, B.; Boit, C.: Assessment of a Chip Backside Protection. Journal of Hardware and Systems Security 2 (2018), p. 345-352
10.1007/s41635-018-0052-3
Abstract:
Security-sensitive integrated circuits (ICs) are equipped with various hardware and software countermeasures which make them more secure. However, the chip backside is still exposed, and a proper countermeasure which is able to protect the ICs against physical and optical attacks through the silicon backside is required. This work presents the development, realization, and evaluation of a countermeasure concept for the IC backside against attack through the silicon backside, which is opaque to infrared light. This protection concept is able to detect any physical tampering on the IC backside. The IC backside, which is protected with an optically active layer and IC electronics, is used to create a signal to indicate a violation of the back surface. The advantages and drawbacks of the method are discussed. An assessment of the attacks through the chip backside, available countermeasures against them, and the properties of a proper protection structure are included.