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NIST initiates first call for lightweight cryptography to protect IoT devices | OpenGovAsia

The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently kicked off an effort to strengthen the cryptographic defense of internet of things (IoT) networked devices against cyberattacks and protect the data created by those innumerable devices.

Within IoT networks, sensors, actuators and other micromachines that function as eyes, ears and hands of the network work on scant electrical power and use circuitry far more limited than the chips found in even the simplest cell phone. These small electronics include keyless entry fobs to cars and the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags used to locate boxes in vast warehouses.

These gadgets are inexpensive to make and will fit nearly anywhere, but common encryption methods to secure them may demand more electronic resources than they possess. As such, NIST is launching an effort to create security solutions to this constraint.

NIST’s lightweight cryptography initiative aims to develop cryptographic algorithm standards that can work within the confines of a simple electronic device. The ultimate goal is to develop lightweight encryption standards that benefit the entire marketplace.

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