Security News > 2023 > February > NIST chooses encryption algorithms for lightweight IoT devices

ASCON is the name of the group of lightweight authenticated encryption and hashing algorithms that the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology has chosen to secure the data generated by Internet of Things devices: implanted medical devices, keyless entry fobs, "Smart home" devices, etc.

Why are the ASCON encryption algorithms a good choice for IoT devices?

In August 2018, NIST formally asked cryptographers to submit algorithms that would work on small devices that have limited electronic resources.

NIST also required submitted algorithms to have authenticated encryption with associated data and optional hashing functionalities, and ASCON fits the bill.

"Small devices have limited resources, and they need security that has a compact implementation. These algorithms should cover most devices that have these sorts of resource constraints," NIST computer scientist Kerry McKay commented, and noted that the ASCON algorithms should be suitable for use in "Most forms of tiny tech."

ASCON is not expected to replace existing advanced encryption and hashing standards - the AES algorithm and the SHA-256 hash function, respectively - that are used on devices that don't have the resource constraints.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/02/09/encryption-algorithms-iot/