CPSGD: A Novel Optimization Algorithm and Its Application in Side-Channel Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, side-channel analysis based on deep learning has garnered significant attention from researchers. A pivotal reason for this lies in the fact that deep learning-based side-channel analysis requires minimal preprocessing of side-channel data. The automatic feature extraction property of deep learning methods drastically reduces the workload for researchers, enabling them to focus more on the core issues of side-channel analysis, namely, extracting sensitive information by attacking devices. However, in prior studies, most scholars have concentrated more on the model construction process, with little research focusing on the choice of optimizers.This paper explores a novel deep learning-based optimization algorithm—CPSGD (combined projection stochastic gradient descent). The algorithm comprises two variants, designed, respectively, for unprotected side-channel analysis (CPSGD1) and desynchronized side-channel analysis (CPSGD2), and their convergence has been theoretically proven. Experimental results demonstrate that, while maintaining the neural network structure unchanged, CPSGD1 exhibits the best performance on unprotected datasets compared to other publicly available optimizers, whereas CPSGD2 performs optimally on desynchronized datasets.

Keywords

• side-channel analysis
• deep learning
• nonlinear optimization
• attack evaluation