Two main ways of achieving this is ECC and parity. Historically, ECC was the more widely used memory integrity technique. It basically checks all of the random access memory (RAM) and stores the results on the circuit board where it can be retrieved by the CPU, which then checks whether the stored results match with the known program. The key issue with ECC was that it often led to the occurrence of random “clicks” that could potentially allow an attacker to gain control of the system.
On the other hand, in parallel with the implementation of error checking, another form of error checking was introduced: the use of circuit boards called “brains.” These boards are essentially small computers with their own integrated circuits. The idea behind these brains was to store all the random access memory results on a single circuit board. This made it easy to retrieve and review results from both physical memory and software.
However, even after these two techniques were implemented, it was found that the probability of attacks in computer memory continued to be high. In fact, as the use of chips improved, the chance for attacks also increased.
Circuit board-based random access memory (RAM) errors are particularly problematic because they are very easily exploited by attackers. They can be exploited because they can be accessed by remote attackers and they can also be accessed in a remote manner. Because of this, they are very difficult to defend against in general.
Fortunately, there are new methods that make use of traditional methods to improve error checking and protect against random click attacks. One of these methods is known as “parity check.” Basically, this method involves testing each bit in the data by making sure that each bit matches its associated data that is stored elsewhere.
Another of the new techniques being used is by Eric Shifflett and John Taylor. Their technique “bit shuffling” relies on the principle that if a number of data bits is random and can be easily influenced, they can be used to create a pattern out of a random series of numbers. Thus, the probability of an attack can be reduced. almost eliminated if the attacker can gain access to one or more bits.
It’s important to note that while error checking will help to prevent attacks in the short run, there are some attacks that still need to be addressed in the long run. For example, an attacker may be able to use a “click attack” that is able to make changes in the way that the random access memory stores data, and thus change the way that random access memory reads the data. This is often called a “malware attack,” as it involves a malicious application that alters the way that data is read.
The other major technique used is by Eric Shifflett and John Taylor. This method is known as “replay defense” and works by checking all information that has been input into the system and making sure that it matches what it needs to read.
Although error checking will help to eliminate many attacks in the short term, it is important to note that no matter how effective error checking is, it won’t be effective against attacks that involve an attacker physically accessing the system. For example, it’s not possible to ensure that all clicks on a keyboard are actually coming from a real person rather than just using an automated program that does so on a system that is already infected with a virus.
As noted earlier, errors in random access memory (RAM) are particularly problematic because they can be easily exploited by an attacker, and that’s why the Eric Shifflett and John Taylor technique of “replay defense” was designed to address these problems. Their method uses the idea that if an attacker gets access to one of the bits in a random series of data, then the attacker can simply alter the sequence that is used to represent the data bit, thereby causing the data to be interpreted incorrectly.
However, it’s important to note that although errors in random access memory can be easily detected and corrected using Eric Shifflett and John Taylor’s technique, it is impossible to guarantee that the attack will stop completely. The main benefit of their method is that it can reduce the overall effect of random click attacks in most cases.
