Smart card tamper-proofing tools for license

has kicked off a program to license its technology for blocking differential power analysis attacks. In DPA attacks, a hacker examines the power consumption of a smart card or other device while performing an encryption function.

"You can use the information to eventually extract keys out of the device, and once you have the keys, you can duplicate them," said Kit Rodgers, director of licensing. While the company sells the technology now, a formal licensing program will allow it to proliferate more broadly.