Cryptography for IoT and Smart Grids: Challenges and Solutions

• Author(s): Munachimso Clement Ezeakacha; Chiemela O. M.; Ezekiel-Odimgbe C. L.; Omogwu O. P.; Aniedu A. N.
• Paper ID: 1718965
• Page: 2083-2088
• Published Date: 19-06-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 12 June-2026

Abstract

The rapid digitalization of energy infrastructure through the Internet of Things (IoT) has birthed the Internet of Energy (IoE), enabling bi-directional data flow and enhanced grid stability. However, this connectivity introduces a critical security-efficiency paradox: traditional cryptographic protocols (e.g., RSA, standard AES) often exceed the computational, memory, and energy limits of resource-constrained IoT devices, particularly in rural electrification and distributed renewable energy systems. This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the contemporary cryptographic toolbox—categorized into symmetric, asymmetric, and the emerging National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standardized Lightweight Cryptography (LWC)—to evaluate their suitability for smart grid applications. The method employs a theoretical framework based on the three-layer smart grid architecture (Perception, Network, and Application) and synthesizes recent benchmarking data (2024–2026) to assess performance metrics including computational overhead, energy consumption, and resistance to False Data Injection (FDI) attacks. Our findings reveal that while asymmetric encryption is essential for initial authentication, the Ascon cipher suite – a specialized family of lightweight algorithms optimized for authenticated encryption – offers a superior alternative for continuous telemetry, achieving up to 65% energy savings compared to standard AES-GCM on 8-bit microcontrollers. The paper concludes by proposing a Hybrid Cryptographic Model that integrates lightweight protocols for edge devices with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for high-level control systems, ensuring long-term resilience against quantum-era threats.

Keywords

Cryptography, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Grid, Lightweight Cryptography (LWC), Rural Electrification, ASCON, Cyber-Threat Landscape.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Munachimso Clement Ezeakacha, Chiemela O. M., Ezekiel-Odimgbe C. L., Omogwu O. P., Aniedu A. N. "Cryptography for IoT and Smart Grids: Challenges and Solutions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 2083-2088

IEEE:
Munachimso Clement Ezeakacha, Chiemela O. M., Ezekiel-Odimgbe C. L., Omogwu O. P., Aniedu A. N. "Cryptography for IoT and Smart Grids: Challenges and Solutions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12)