A comparative study of hash algorithms with the prospect of developing a CAN bus authentication technique

Abstract

In this paper, the performances of SHA-3 final round candidates along with new versions of other hash algorithms are analyzed and compared. An ARM-Cortex A9 microcontroller and a Spartan -3 FPGA circuit are involved in the study, with emphasis placed on the number of cycles and the authentication speed. These hash functions are implemented and tested resulting in a set of ranked algorithms in terms of the specified metrics. Taking into account the performances of the most efficient algorithms and the proposed hardware platform components, an authentication technique can be developed as a possible solution to the limitations and weaknesses of automotive CAN (Controlled Area Network) bus – based embedded systems in terms of security, privacy and integrity. From there, the main elements of such a potential structure are set forth.

Hash algorithm comparison through a PIC32 microcontroller

“…For long messages, the results are similar to those of short messages, with Blake again performing the best, followed by Keccak and Skein. A study of the previously mentioned algorithms based on ARM Cortex-A9 processor yields similar results [24]. Blake emerges as the clear victor, with a far superior rate of execution compared to its counterparts whereas Grøstl lags behind the other contenders.…”