Modified Key Derivation Function for Enhanced Security of Speck in Resource-Constrained Internet of Things

Abstract

Randomness is an imperative component in every cryptographic algorithm to guarantee secret keys are unpredictable and secured against all forms of attacks. Speck generated sequence is non-random, a clear sign that it falls beyond the acceptable success rate when tested in statistical analysis. Thus, this study resolves the non-randomness by integrating a novel key derivation function that uses elementary operators designed for lightweight application. This design aims not to compromise performance when implemented on software and hardware. As a result, the modified Speck successfully passed the NIST SP 800 - 22 and Dieharder v3.31.0 Statistical Test Analysis as no p-value is flagged as failed during testing. Hence, making modified Speck cryptographically secured. Nevertheless, a 1.06% decrease in the figure of merit of the modified Speck still makes it worthier in a resource-constrained Internet of Things application as contrasted to Speck because it is proven to be beyond cryptographically secured.