Which technique involves analyzing the state of an application in real-time even if data is encrypted?

The correct technique for analyzing the state of an application in real-time, even when data is encrypted, is side-channel analysis. This method leverages various types of information that can be observed indirectly, such as timing information, power consumption, electromagnetic leaks, and other physical phenomena while the application is executing.

Side-channel analysis is particularly useful in cybersecurity contexts, where it can help identify vulnerabilities that may not be apparent through conventional testing methods. By analyzing the behaviors and responses of the application as it processes commands and data, an attacker can gain insights into the application’s internals and potentially extract sensitive information, despite any encryption that may be in place.

In contrast, static analysis involves examining the code without executing it, and therefore cannot handle real-time applications effectively. Dynamic analysis works with live applications, but it does not typically focus on the kind of extraneous information leveraged in side-channel attacks. Reverse engineering, while useful for understanding how software operates, usually requires access to unencrypted or non-obfuscated data to effectively reconstruct the application’s underlying structure or logic. Therefore, side-channel analysis is the technique best suited for analyzing an application in real-time in the context described.