Hiding (Side-Channel Defense)
Hiding is a side-channel defense strategy that removes side-channel information by making physical leakage independent of the processed values (constant time, constant power).
Purpose
It eliminates the correlation between physical leakage and the key at the source and, complementary to masking, is the first line of side-channel defense.
Mechanism
Constant-time implementations keep the execution path data-independent; dual-rail logic (pre-charged) keeps power draw constant per cycle; shielded packages reduce EM radiation.
Use cases
- Constant-time cryptographic implementations
- Dual-rail logic design
- EM-shielded packaging