Cybersecurity & Lightweight Cryptography

Cyber ​​Security and Lightweight Cryptography

In today's digital age, cyber security has become the priority of every individual, institution and nation. Every activity related to the Internet generates data, and this data is extremely valuable. Cyber ​​criminals constantly search for vulnerabilities and misuse them. This is why cryptography is adopted to protect information. But when devices are small, resource-constrained or based on energy-efficient systems, then traditional cryptography becomes a challenge. In this situation, the importance of Lightweight Cryptography comes to the fore.

Importance of Cyber ​​Security

The main objective of cyber security is to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. Whenever we send an email, make an online transaction or use an IoT device, we rely on cyber security.

• Governments use it to keep confidential documents safe.
• Companies use it to protect customer data and intellectual property.
• Common consumers want to stay safe in social media and mobile banking.

If cybersecurity is not strong, identity theft, financial loss and national security can be at risk.

Traditional Cryptography

Cryptography uses mathematical techniques and algorithms to protect data. Major examples of traditional cryptography are –

• AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
• RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman)
• ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)

These algorithms are very effective for cloud computing and server-level security. But they require high processing power, memory and energy to run. This is why they are not suitable for small IoT devices, wearable gadgets and smart sensors.

Why is lightweight cryptography needed?

Today, the number of IoT devices connected to the Internet in the world is in billions. These include smartwatches, medical devices, home appliances, smart cars and industrial sensors. These devices have many limitations –

• Limited battery and power
• Low memory and storage
• Small processors

If we apply heavy cryptographic algorithms on them, the devices will run slow and the battery will drain quickly. The solution to this challenge is lightweight cryptography.

What is Lightweight Cryptography?

Lightweight cryptography is a group of cryptographic algorithms and protocols that provide secure encryption and authentication even with low power, low memory and limited hardware resources.

These algorithms are designed in such a way that

• they work fast,
• consume minimum battery,
• yet maintain a high level of security.

Main objectives of lightweight cryptography

1. Energy efficiency – Battery-based devices can work for a long time.

2. Low memory usage – Run smoothly even with limited RAM/ROM.

3. Speed ​​– Respond in real-time.

4. Security – Crypto should be difficult to break, even if the device is small.

Example: Lightweight cryptography algorithms

1. PRESENT: Small block cipher that is hardware-friendly.
2. HIGHT: Effective on IoT sensors and small devices.
3. Trivium: Stream cipher that demands less hardware.
4. Ascon (NIST Standard 2023): Chosen for encryption and authentication.

These algorithms are specifically designed for limited-resource environments.

Balancing lightweight and strong security protocols

The biggest challenge while designing lightweight cryptography is the balance of security and efficiency.

• If we make the processing too light, attackers can easily break the algorithm.
• If we make the security too strong, the device will become heavy and slow.

That’s why researchers create algorithms that draw less resources but do not compromise security.

Uses in various fields

1. Smart healthcare – Medical devices such as pacemakers or glucose monitors keep sensitive patient data safe.

2. Smart Home – Cameras, smart locks and smart speakers can stay secure.

3. Automobile Industry – Smart cars and connected vehicles can share data securely.

4. Industrial IoT (IIoT) – Sensors and wireless networks keep production lines secure.

5. Wearables – Fitness trackers and smartwatches run securely without losing battery.

Challenges

Lightweight cryptography is important, but there are challenges too:

1. Lack of standardization – There are no unified rules for all devices.
2. Facing future quantum threats.
3. Striking a balance – Between energy, speed and security.

Future Direction

• Post-quantum lightweight algorithms – So that even quantum computers cannot break them.
• AI and machine learning integration – So that devices can detect threats in an intelligent way.
• Global Standards – NIST and other institutions are working on lightweight cryptography standardization.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity in the digital age is not limited to servers and clouds. Now billions of small devices are connected to the Internet. Traditional cryptography is not enough to make these devices secure. We need energy-efficient, fast and secure solutions. Lightweight cryptography meets this requirement.

As IoT and smart technologies grow in the future, the role of lightweight cryptography will become even more important. It will not only protect data and privacy but will also create a trusted digital ecosystem.