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Cryptography for IoT and Smart Grids: Challenges and Solutions
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Cryptology Principles and Application
DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I12-1718965
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.
References
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[2] M. H. Yousuf, "Lightweight Cryptographic Algorithms for Power-Constrained Microcontrollers in IoT Systems: A Comparative Review," MDPI Sensors, vol. 13, no. 1, Dec. 24, 2024. [Available: MDPI].
[3] H. Wang, "Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for Smart Grid Data Management and Peer-to-Peer Trading," E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 501, 2024. [Available: E3S Conferences].
[4] S. Gupta, "At the Crossroads of Lattice-Based and Homomorphic Encryption to Secure Data Aggregation in Smart Grids," JETIR, Jan. 2026. [Available: JETIR].
[5] A. Al-Hubaishi et al., "Energy Consumption Analysis of Lightweight Cryptographic Algorithms for Smart Meter Authentication," MDPI Mathematics, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 580-598, Feb. 10, 2025. [Available: MDPI].
[6] L. Zhang and Y. Liu, "Performance Evaluation of ASCON-128 in Energy-Constrained Smart Grid Sensors," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, Jan. 2025.
[7] S. Mousa, "A Blockchain-Based Security Framework for Smart Grid Communication Networks: Mitigating False Data Injection," Journal of Computational Engineering, vol. 2025, Sept. 11, 2025. [Available: Computational Engineering Journal].
[8] J. Chen, "Consortium Blockchain Architecture with Proof-of-Authority Consensus for Decentralized Energy Systems," MDPI Energies, vol. 17, no. 22, Nov. 2024. [Available: MDPI].
[9] K. Sato et al., "Post-Quantum Security Framework for Resource-Constrained Systems: Emerging Trends and Future Directions," Springer Nature: Research on Post-Quantum Communication, Feb. 10, 2026. [Available: Springer].
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How to cite this paper
@article{1718965,
author = {Munachimso Clement Ezeakacha, Mgbeokwere C.O., Ezekiel-Odimgbe C. L., Omogwu O. P., Aniedu A. N.},
title = {Cryptography for IoT and Smart Grids: Challenges and Solutions},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {12},
pages = {2083-2088},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718965.pdf},
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.},
month = {June},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718965}
}