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227-0579-00L 7 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-INFK
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Hardware Security

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Kaveh Razavi
VVZ CR 3.33

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:23

Abstract

This course covers the security of commodity computer hardware (e.g., CPU, DRAM, etc.) with a special focus on cutting-edge hands-on research. The aim of the course is familiarizing the students with hardware security and more specifically microarchitectural and circuit-level attacks and defenses through lectures, reviewing and discussing papers, and executing some of these advanced attacks.

Objective

By the end of the course, the students will be familiar with the state of the art in commodity computer hardware attacks and defenses. More specifically, the students will learn about: - security problems of commodity hardware that we use everyday and how you can defend against them. - relevant computer architecture and operating system aspects of these issues. - hands-on techniques for performing hardware attacks. - writing critical reviews and constructive discussions with peers on this topic. This is the course where you get credit points by building some of the most advanced exploits on the planet! The luckiest team will collect a Best Demo Award at the end of the course.

Resources

Literature

Slides, relevant literature and manuals will be made available during the course.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The final grade is composed of grades given to individual practical assignments (30%), group assignments (40%) and paper reviews (30%).- Individual practical assignments are graded based on correctness/quality of the produced code (60%) and on oral discussions based on the assignments and relevant lectures (40%).- Group assignments are graded based on correctness/quality of the produced code (100%).- Reviews are graded on the quality of the review, i.e. a succinct summary of the paper, critical analysis of the positive and negative aspects, and language (70%) and the participation and engagement with peers when discussing the papers or managing the discussion when assigned as a discussion leader (30%).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Hardware Security
An informal meeting is planned for Friday, 17 December between 5 - 7 pm. The exact room will be announced later. Please note that the classes of October 5 and October 19 take place from 08:00 - 11:00 instead of 08:00 - 10:00 in ETZ G71.2.
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (HG E 41)
2 h weekly
exercise Hardware Security
  • Thu 10:15-12:00 (IFW A 32.1)
2 h weekly
independent project Hardware Security
Project Work, no fixed presence required.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In