Intern | Side-channel attacks against post-quantum cryptography in industrial environment

Would you like to contribute to the information security of smart industry? Cryptographic innovations are needed to keep industrial data secure and available in the future. Become a master thesis intern in Groningen or Eindhoven at TNO’s Applied Cryptography and Quantum Algorithms department, where you will conduct your research at the forefront of cryptography! Soon, the quantum computer will break standard cryptographic algorithms. New quantum-safe cryptography is introduced to replace the current standards. However, implementing and applying cryptography is difficult. Running cryptography on a chip may reveal parts of the secret key via side-channel signals, such as power consumption, EM radiation or computation time. In this project you will design a method to test these new quantum-safe algorithms for such signals. Can you advance cryptographic algorithms by finding the weak spots?

You’ll be working six to nine months on your Master’s thesis within a project team researching the security of industrial and operational technology. Together with your supervisors you will turn the available literature on side-channel attacks into a working demonstrator as a first step. Afterwards, you can show us what else is possible!

All of this will be done surrounded by inspiring colleagues and students. As an intern student you are really part of the department, and you can ask everyone for help. In this way we make sure that you not just have access to all knowledge you need, but also learn about the exciting work that is done in our department.

You thrive on conducting research that will make a mark on information security and are highly motivated to contribute to the challenging field of cryptography. You test the ideas of yourself and of your colleagues and advance the state of the art that way. Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO include the following:

• You are in the final phase of your Master’s degree in mathematics or computer science.
• Experience with programming and cryptography.
• Command of English at academic level.
• You are a team player and you can explain your ideas to your colleagues.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship)
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template(opens in a new window or tab) (refers to a different website) (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.