Powering Up Security as Lightweight Crypto for Efficient IoT
B R Usha, D. Amuthaguka · 2024
The increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that have limited resources creates unique challenges for data security and privacy. Traditional cryptographic algorithms were not designed to account for the strict resource limitations of IoT devices. Therefore, lightweight cryptography (LWC) is emerging as a promising solution to address these challenges by providing efficient cryptographic primitives that are tailored to IoT environments. This paper provides an overview of lightweight cryptography in the context of resource-constrained IoT devices. It discusses the motivations, design considerations, and practical implementations of LWC solutions. It also examines the key challenges faced by IoT deployments, such as limited processing power, memory, and energy resources. Furthermore, the paper explores how lightweight cryptographic algorithms mitigate these challenges while maintaining adequate security levels. In addition, the paper surveys prominent lightweight cryptographic algorithms and protocols suitable for IoT applications. It analyzes their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability in different use cases. By understanding the principles and applications of lightweight cryptography, IoT developers and stakeholders can make informed decisions in selecting and implementing security mechanisms that safeguard IoT ecosystems without compromising performance or scalability. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of lightweight cryptography for resource-constrained IoT devices, facilitating further research and development in this critical area of IoT security