Multilayered Cipher Keystreams for IoT Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-end IoT nodes face challenges in securing single-channel communications due to hardware constraints and software overheads, making existing lightweight symmetric key block ciphers unsuitable for preserving data authenticity and integrity in IoT networks.
Innovation Solution
A method employing multilayered ciphers generates pairs of encryption/decryption keystreams for pulsed-index communication (PIC) packets, providing first and second layer encryption/decryption to protect data and control information, thereby enhancing security without compromising key performance indicators like complexity, latency, and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lightweight symmetric key block ciphers are used for securing single-channel IoT communications, then data authenticity and integrity are improved, but hardware constraints and software overheads worsen performance
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption process is segmented into two distinct layers: first layer encryption for PIC data and second layer encryption for control information (flags and NOI). This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested encryption where the first layer encryption is applied to PIC data, then the resulting encrypted data is further protected by second layer encryption on control information. This nested structure provides enhanced security without requiring completely separate encryption systems
2Reliability
If multilayered encryption is implemented on PIC packets, then security against malicious attacks is improved, but complexity and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different encryption approaches are applied to different parts of the PIC packet: the first layer uses encryption on PIC data itself, while the second layer applies encryption specifically to control information elements (flags and NOI). This localized approach ensures security where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to encryption by introducing a second layer that operates on control information separately from the data layer. This multi-dimensional approach enhances security without requiring exponential increases in computational complexity
3Productivity
If existing lightweight ciphers are used for single-channel communication, then data rate is maintained, but security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-layer encryption process is designed to operate continuously without interrupting the PIC communication flow. The encryption operations are integrated into the existing PIC protocol framework, maintaining continuous data transmission while providing enhanced security
Data Source
AI summary
A method for secure device-to-device communication using multilayered ciphers is provided. A selected cipher is employed to generate a pair of encryption/decryption keystreams for enabling multilayered encryption/decryption on a pulsed-index communication (PIC) packet(s). In examples discussed herein, a first layer encryption/decryption is performed by encrypting/decrypting a PIC data(s) (PD(s)) in the PIC packet(s) based on a first of the pair of encryption/decryption keystreams. In addition, a second layer encryption/decryption is performed by encrypting/decrypting selected control information (e.g., information related to encoding/decoding the PD(s)) in the PIC packet(s) based on a second of the pair of encryption/decryption keystreams. By performing multilayered encryption/decryption on the PIC packet(s), it is possible to defend against malicious attacks in single-channel device-to-device communication without compromising such key performance indicators (KPIs) as complexity, latency, power consumption, and footprint.