Quantum-resistant hardware-accelerated IoT traffic encryptor

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) brings new security challenges, particularly with the potential risks posed by quantum computing. In this paper, we present a comprehensive approach to IoT security, offering two deployment options: a hardware-accelerated encryption solution using FPGAs for high-speed IoT aggregators, and a software-based version suited for lower-end IoT devices. Both versions share the same cryptographic architecture, ensuring consistency and compatibility across diverse use cases. Our proposed approach employs a hybrid key management mechanism that integrates classical, quantum, and post-quantum cryptographic schemes, including Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH), CRYSTALS-Kyber, and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). These key sources are combined using a custom-designed 3-key combiner to generate a secure hybrid key for AES-256 encryption in Galois-Counter Mode (GCM). Both solutions have been rigorously tested in real-world scenarios, including a pilot deployment between Czechia and Estonia and high-speed lab tests, validating their effectiveness and scalability. This dual approach caters to both resource-constrained edge devices and high-performance central systems, providing scalable and versatile post-quantum security for IoT environments.