Quantum-resistant hardware-accelerated IoT traffic encryptor

Quantum-resistant hardware-accelerated IoT traffic encryptor

WoS Article

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) brings new security challenges, particularly with the potential risks posed by quantum computing. In this paper, we present a comprehensive approach to IoT security, offering two deployment options: a hardware-accelerated encryption solution using FPGAs for high-speed IoT aggregators, and a software-based version suited for lower-end IoT devices. Both versions share the same cryptographic architecture, ensuring consistency and compatibility across diverse use cases. Our proposed approach employs a hybrid key management mechanism that integrates classical, quantum, and post-quantum cryptographic schemes, including Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH), CRYSTALS-Kyber, and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). These key sources are combined using a custom-designed 3-key combiner to generate a secure hybrid key for AES-256 encryption in Galois-Counter Mode (GCM). Both solutions have been rigorously tested in real-world scenarios, including a pilot deployment between Czechia and Estonia and high-speed lab tests, validating their effectiveness and scalability. This dual approach caters to both resource-constrained edge devices and high-performance central systems, providing scalable and versatile post-quantum security for IoT environments.

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) brings new security challenges, particularly with the potential risks posed by quantum computing. In this paper, we present a comprehensive approach to IoT security, offering two deployment options: a hardware-accelerated encryption solution using FPGAs for high-speed IoT aggregators, and a software-based version suited for lower-end IoT devices. Both versions share the same cryptographic architecture, ensuring consistency and compatibility across diverse use cases. Our proposed approach employs a hybrid key management mechanism that integrates classical, quantum, and post-quantum cryptographic schemes, including Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH), CRYSTALS-Kyber, and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). These key sources are combined using a custom-designed 3-key combiner to generate a secure hybrid key for AES-256 encryption in Galois-Counter Mode (GCM). Both solutions have been rigorously tested in real-world scenarios, including a pilot deployment between Czechia and Estonia and high-speed lab tests, validating their effectiveness and scalability. This dual approach caters to both resource-constrained edge devices and high-performance central systems, providing scalable and versatile post-quantum security for IoT environments.

Security; Internet of Things; Post-quantum cryptography(PQC); IoT security; Encryption; Key establishment; Authentication; Hardware acceleration; FPGA Networktra

Security; Internet of Things; Post-quantum cryptography(PQC); IoT security; Encryption; Key establishment; Authentication; Hardware acceleration; FPGA Networktra

CÍBIK, P.; RICCI, S.; DOBIÁŠ, P.; HAJNÝ, J.; MALINA, L.; HAVLÍN, J.

04.03.2025

Elsevier

2542-6605

Internet of Things

31

6

Kingdom of the Netherlands

18

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2542660525000678