Optimizing cryptographic protocols against side channel attacks using WGAN-GP and genetic algorithms

Abstract

This research introduces a novel hybrid cryptographic framework that combines traditional cryptographic protocols with advanced methodologies, specifically Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks with Gradient Penalty (WGAN-GP) and Genetic Algorithms (GA). We evaluated several cryptographic protocols, including AES-ECB, AES-GCM, ChaCha20, RSA, and ECC, against critical metrics such as security level, efficiency, side-channel resistance, and cryptanalysis resistance. Our findings demonstrate that this integrated approach significantly enhances both security and efficiency across all evaluated protocols. Notably, the AES-GCM algorithm exhibited superior performance, achieving minimal computation time and robust side-channel resistance. This study underscores the potential of leveraging machine learning and evolutionary algorithms to advance cryptographic protocol security and efficiency, laying a robust foundation for future advancements in cybersecurity.