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Item 223 of 426 · Year 12: Secure Software Architecture, 46 of 57
Side channel attack
Term Key terms bank
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- Exam format, question types and command words (46)
- Year 11: Programming Fundamentals (69)
- Year 11: The Object-Oriented Paradigm (33)
- Year 11: Programming Mechatronics (29)
- Year 12: Secure Software Architecture (57)
- Year 12: Programming for the Web (59)
- Year 12: Software Automation (35)
- Year 12: The Software Engineering Project (47)
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Definition
An attack that learns secrets from indirect information such as timing, power use or electromagnetic emissions rather than breaking the algorithm. Protect with constant-time code, noise and physical shielding.
Example: Measuring response time to guess a password character.
Found in: syllabus, school notes.
Learning secrets from timing, power or electromagnetic leakage.
Where you'll use it in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 Secure Software Architecture.
Question types it can appear in
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.
How to use it
A model sentence
“An attack that learns secrets from indirect information such as timing, power use or electromagnetic emissions rather than breaking the algorithm.” Then apply it: Measuring response time to guess a password character.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Side channel attack in Secure Software Architecture (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: User action controls: broken authentication, XSS, CSRF, forwarding, race conditions
- Key terms bank entry: Side-channel attack
- Notes: Design, develop and implement secure code to protect user file and hardware… (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
- Notes: File attacks and side-channel attacks (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Side channel attack
Check yourself
Explain “Side channel attack” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.
Reveal the answer
An attack that learns secrets from indirect information such as timing, power use or electromagnetic emissions rather than breaking the algorithm. Protect with constant-time code, noise and physical shielding.
Example: Measuring response time to guess a password character.
Could be tested as: Short answer, Multiple choice, Fill in the blanks.
Quick multiple choice
A side-channel attack typically works by:
- Exploiting an unpatched operating system service
- Injecting script into a web page
- Guessing the password with a dictionary
- Measuring physical or timing information (e.g. power use or response time) to infer secrets
Show the answer
D
Side channels leak information indirectly (timing, power, electromagnetic emissions) rather than breaking the algorithm itself.
Source: original (written for this study pack; not a NESA question). Open it in the multiple-choice bank.