Advancements in Lightweight Cryptography: Secure Solutions for Resource-Constrained Environments in IoT, WSNs, and CPS

Abstract

This paper addresses security challenges in Internet of Things (IoT) networks and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) through lightweight cryptographic techniques. We evaluate hash-based Lightweight Message Authentication Code (MAC) algorithms, LightMAC and CHASKEY. Additionally, we examine and compare different message authentication and encryption frameworks that provide higher security and efficiency than traditional techniques. In WSNs, we present LMAC, a lightweight hashbased symmetric key MAC tailored for energy-constrained networks, exhibiting superior performance over existing MACs. For Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), we introduce two Lightweight Signature schemes (LiS) optimized for continuous message authentication, leveraging the chameleon hash function for efficient collision generation. These schemes offer fast signing procedures and optimal storage requirements for resource-constrained devices. This research provides practical solutions for securing IoT, wireless communication, WSNs, and CPS environments with limited computational resources.