Comparison of Encryption Algorithms for Wearable Devices in IoT Systems

TL;DR

The paper tackles securing data on resource-constrained wearable IoT devices amid growing security and privacy concerns. It surveys and compares symmetric, asymmetric, and adjunct encryption methods, incorporating device constraints and future threats such as quantum attacks. A framework contrasts complexity and security, linking key lengths, memory costs, and device limitations to practical suitability. The authors find that AES and ECC provide the best general trade-off for wearables, with FPE and HE offering specialized roles, and stress the importance of planning for quantum-resistant options as IoT evolves.

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) expansion has brought a new era of connected devices, including wearable devices like smartwatches and medical monitors, that are becoming integral parts of our daily lives. These devices not only offer innovative functionalities but also generate and transmit plenty of sensitive data, making their security and privacy the primary concerns. Given the unique challenges posed by wearable devices, such as limited computational resources and the need for real-time data processing, encryption stands as a cornerstone for safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of the data they handle. Various encryption algorithms, each with its own set of advantages and limitations, are available to meet the diverse security and computational needs of wearable IoT devices. As we move into an age where quantum computing could potentially disrupt traditional encryption methods, choosing a suitable encryption algorithm becomes even more critical. This paper explores and evaluates the suitability of different encryption methods in the context of wearable IoT devices, considering current and future security challenges.