Internship - Countermeasures against fault-injection attacks on post-quantum, hash-based signature verification

STMicro; Agrate Brianza; In loco; EUR 6700 - 10.000; Part-time

Descrizione del lavoro

STMicroelectronics in Italy and France seeks an intern to study fault resistance of post-quantum, hash-based signature verification. You will start from existing software work and explore fault injection effects on signature checks in verification-only use cases.

Join an international team with cryptographic expertise across hardware and software; duration six months; ideal for Master’s students in math, CS or electronics with interest in hardware security.

Competenze

• Applied mathematics, computer science or electronics student nearing Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of cryptography and embedded systems.
• Experience with software development in C or Python.
• Interest in hardware security and fault analysis.
• Knowledge of hash-based signature schemes is a plus.

Mansioni

• Study fault resistance of post-quantum hash-based signatures in verification-only use cases.
• Build a software reference implementation for fault modeling.
• Define the fault model and identify relevant fault targets.
• Review literature on attacks against verification mechanisms.
• Evaluate countermeasures and their suitability for hardware support.
• Optionally explore hash-chain hardware acceleration and new attack surfaces.

Conoscenze

Cryptography knowledge

Embedded systems

Software development

C or Python

Formazione

Master's degree (MS) in CS/EC/Math

Strumenti

C

Python

Descrizione del lavoro

OUR STORY

At STMicroelectronics, we believe in the power of technology to drive innovation and make a positive impact on people, businesses, and society. As a global semiconductor company, our advanced technologies and chips form the hidden foundation of the world we live in today.

When you join ST, you will be part of a global business with more than 115 nationalities, present in 40 countries, and comprising over 50,000 diverse and dedicated creators and makers of technology around the world.

Developing technologies takes more than talent: it takes amazing people who understand collaboration and respect. People with passion and the desire to disrupt the status quo, drive innovation, and unlock their own potential.

Embark on a journey with us, where you can innovate for a future that we want to make smarter and greener, in a responsible and sustainable way. Our technology starts with you.

We are looking for an intern to study the fault resistance of post-quantum, hash-based signature verification. You will start from existing software work and explore how fault injection can impact signature checking, with the goal of understanding the practical robustness of these schemes and evaluating potential countermeasures.

Internship activities

• \- Study hash-based signatures in verification-only use cases.
• \- Build a software reference implementation for fault modeling.
• \- Define the fault model and identify relevant fault targets.
• \- Review literature on attacks against verification mechanisms
• \- Evaluate countermeasures and their suitability for hardware support.
• \- Optionally explore hash-chain hardware acceleration and new attack surfaces.

You will work in an international team, based in Italy and France, with strong expertise in cryptographic implementations, both in hardware, software, and microcontroller security. Duration: 6 months

Your profile

• \- Applied mathematics, computer science or electronics student graduating from a Master's Degree
• \- Knowledge of cryptography and embedded systems.
• \- Experience with software development in C or Python.
• \- Interest in hardware security and fault analysis.
• \- Knowledge of hash-based signature schemes is a plus

References

[1] Faulting Winternitz One-Time Signatures to forge LMS, XMSS, or SPHINCS+ signatures. Wagner et al., PQCrypto 2023

[2] Laser Fault Injection Attack on the eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme. Wagner et al., BSI Bund 2025

ST is proud to be one of the 17 companies certified as a 2025 Global Top Employer and the first and only semiconductor company to achieve this distinction. ST was recognized in this ranking thanks to its continuous improvement approach and stands out particularly in the areas of ethics & integrity, purpose & values, organization & change, business strategy, and performance.

At ST, we endeavor to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we do not tolerate discrimination. We aim to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the societies around us. We strive for equity in career development, career opportunities, and equal remuneration. We encourage candidates who may not meet every single requirement to apply, as we appreciate diverse perspectives and provide opportunities for growth and learning. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is woven into our company culture.

To discover more, visit st.com/careers.