Learning Thermal Side Channel Attacks Through Gamification

Tuesday, June 09, 2026 at 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Thesis Advisor:

Dr. Gokhan Kul, Computer and Information Science

Committee Members: 

• Dr. Debarun Das, Computer and Information Science
• Prof. Clinton Rogers, Computer and Information Science

Abstract:

Side channel attacks are an increasingly relevant hardware security threat to modern computing systems and embedded systems. While gamification has proven effective for cybersecurity education, existing tools for side-channel analysis are either inaccessible to undergraduate students, limited to non-interactive formats such as board games and questionnaires or designed for competitive play like CTF games rather than structured learning. The goal of this thesis is to design, develop a gamified interactive education tool, and evaluate whether this project can improve student understanding of thermal side-channel attack concepts by making them more accessible and understandable. Toward this end, we created a Unity-based educational game designed to teach thermal side-channel attack concepts through interactive visualization. The project comprises two game modes: one that teaches passive side channel analysis on a simplified CPU pipeline by visualizing heat patterns across instruction execution phases, and another that introduces thermal analysis of memory access patterns through a heatmap-guided search for a hidden cryptographic key. Both game modes feature progressive difficulty supporting incremental learning. The game is deployed as a WebGL application for browser-based access and was evaluated through a classroom survey consisting of Computer Science students. Preliminary design feedback and evaluated survey outcomes suggest that the game can make side-channel concepts more accessible to students across various technical backgrounds. 

For further information please contact Dr. Gokhan Kul at gkul@umassd.edu.

Online - https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/215023432773961?p=dcEIALLC4lAHKne7WD 
Dr. Gokhan Kul
gkul@umassd.edu
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/215023432773961?p=dcEIALLC4lAHKne7WD