Efficient and secure data handling using domain-oriented masking

Abstract

This document discloses techniques, apparatuses, and systems for efficient and secure data handling using domain-oriented masking. In aspects, efficient and secure data handling using domain-oriented masking enables circuit resources (e.g., flip flops, data) to be shared between portions of an integrated circuit (IC). Specifically, an input register of a Galois-Field (GF) multiplier and a pipeline register within a stage of an Advanced Encryption Standard Substitution-Box (S-Box) may be implemented as sharing a single flip flop. Some ICs may utilize multiple S-Boxes, including multiple GF multipliers that are provided randomness each time the input is updated. In this case, an output from a previous stage of a first S-box may be provided as randomness to a subsequent stage of a second S-Box to limit the need for entropy generation circuitry. In this way, efficient and secure data handling using domain-oriented masking may decrease circuit cost and circuit area without impacting security.