Prudent use of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cells in security sensitive applications

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Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) is a dominant technology for volatile, low-latency storage in modern mobile, tablet, laptop and desktop computer systems. One of the properties of DRAMs that can affect such correct functioning regards its remanence - individual cells of the DRAM retain the data that is stored in them for relatively long periods of time after the DRAM no longer has a source of power. Prior research has shown that with present-day DRAM technology, the data in about 50% of the cells can be reliably recovered even minutes after the DRAM has lost power. This negatively impacts security - many applications rely on the presumed volatility of DRAM cells to keep data secret. In this project, we propose to study and develop a deeper understanding of the characteristics of remanence, and to leverage this understanding to develop middleware solutions for security sensitive applications to use DRAM cells prudently so that data remains secret as such applications intend. The research is in collaboration with a Canadian company and will train HQP, and is therefore of value to Canada.