Next Generation Cryptographic Solutions

Lightweight Cryptographic Algorithms for Secure and Energy-Efficient IoT Devices

Participants

Summary

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly expanding, connecting billions of low-power devices, sensors, and actuators across various applications, including smart homes, healthcare, and industrial automation. However, traditional cryptographic algorithms are computationally intensive and unsuitable for resource constrained IoT devices. This research focuses on developing lightweight cryptographic algorithms that provide strong security with minimal energy consumption and processing overhead. The study explores lightweight encryption, authentication, and key management protocols, including stream ciphers, block ciphers, and hash functions, optimized for constrained environments. Special attention is given to post-quantum security, side-channel resistance, and hardware/software co-optimization. The project aims to implement and evaluate these cryptographic solutions on real IoT hardware to ensure scalability, interoperability, and resilience against emerging cyber threats. By enhancing security without compromising performance, this research will contribute to the development of secure, efficient, and sustainable IoT ecosystems for next-generation smart applications.

Publications

[1 ] N. A. Gunathilake, W. J. Buchanan and R. Asif, "Next Generation Lightweight Cryptography for Smart IoT Devices: : Implementation, Challenges and Applications," 2019 IEEE 5th World Forum on Internet of Things (WF-IoT), Limerick, Ireland, 2019, pp. 707-710, doi: 10.1109/WF-IoT.2019.8767250.

[2] Buchanan, W. J., Li, S., & Asif, R. (2017). Lightweight cryptography methods. Journal of Cyber Security Technology, 1(3–4), 187–201.https://doi.org/10.1080/23742917.2017.1384917