Balancing Security and Energy Efficiency for IoT Devices Using Hybrid Cryptographic Schemes Merging Traditional and Post-Quantum Cryptography

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) requires secure communication protocols to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity. Traditional cryptographic schemes, such as Elliptic-Curve Cryptography (ECC), are widely used due to their efficiency and strong security guarantees. However, the advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to these classical cryptographic systems, creating an urgent need for new approaches to secure IoT environments. This research explores a hybrid cryptographic solution that integrates conventional cryptography with post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to provide enhanced security and energy efficiency. Specifically, the proposed scheme combines the NIST P-256 elliptic curve (NIST256p), recognized for its robust classical security, with RSA, a widely adopted cryptosystem offering comprehensive support for key generation and cryptographic operations. To further strengthen the hybrid scheme, the PKCS#1 OAEP padding scheme is used for securely encrypting AES symmetric keys with randomness. By blending these cryptographic techniques, the hybrid approach ensures secure communication, efficient key management, and resistance to both classical and quantum threats. This study highlights the feasibility of hybrid cryptographic systems as a transitional technology, addressing vulnerabilities in current systems while preparing for the challenges posed by quantum computing. The findings emphasize their potential to protect IoT applications in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.