Apparently there's a way to steal cryptographic keys from mobile devices, leaving the user's info wide open for theft.

Cryptography Research (CP) is reporting that its security researchers have found a way to extract secret keys and compromise the security of smart cards and other cryptographic devices. Called Differential Power Analysis (DPA), this attack is performed by analyzing the device's power consumption or radio frequency emissions.

"Simple Power Analysis (SPA) is a simpler form of the attack that does not require statistical analysis," the company said. "Unlike physical attacks, SPA and DPA attacks are non-invasive, easily-automated, and can be mounted without knowing the design of the target device." Naturally, the company has developed "solutions" to combat these attacks.

CNET expands on the report, with CR's vice president of technology Benjamin Jun saying that attackers would need to use special equipment that measures electromagnetic signals emitted by chips inside the device. Attackers could also attach a sensor to the device's power supply as well, however that would be more "hands on" than the former approach.

For now, CR wasn't forthcoming about which mobile device is highly susceptible to the attack, however Jun told CNET that he wasn't aware of any attacks "in the wild" using this type of method. Still, he seemed rather cautious. "I think we're about to start seeing it on smartphones," he said. "These attacks are not theoretical."