Energy Consumption Framework and Analysis of Post-Quantum Key-Generation on Embedded Devices
This paper presents an analytical framework for assessing the energy consumption of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms during key generation on embedded devices, specifically focusing on the Raspberry Pi platform. In light of the increasing threat posed by quantum computing advancements, specifically Shor's algorithm, the paper comprehensively evaluates the energy footprint of newly standardised post-quantum cryptographic algorithms against traditional cryptographic techniques.
Overview of Cryptographic Threats and Transition
The research sets out to address the imminent threat to current public key cryptographic systems from quantum computing capabilities. Quantum computers, through algorithms like Shor's, have the potential to efficiently solve problems that underpin most classical cryptographic systems, including RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). These algorithms may potentially jeopardize the security of communications by decrypting or impersonating secure data. Consequently, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has initiated efforts to standardise novel Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) techniques resilient to these quantum threats.
Energy Consumption Framework
The core of the research lies in its empirical measurement framework, designed to capture energy consumption data associated with cryptographic key generation operations. Utilizing a Raspberry Pi 5 and the OpenSSL 3.5 library, the paper evaluates both classical cryptographic techniques and PQC counterparts, such as ML-KEM (FIPS-203), which employ lattice-based cryptography thought to be resistant to quantum attacks. The experimental setup leverages methodologies to ensure accurate and repeatable measurements, such as fixed CPU timing and controlled environmental variables.
Results and Comparative Analysis
The paper findings highlight significant disparities in energy consumption across cryptographic algorithms. Classical RSA key generation methods are substantially less efficient than both ECC and post-quantum cryptographic techniques, with energy requirements increasing exponentially with security level and key size. The PQC techniques demonstrated energy efficiency comparable to or better than ECC, especially at higher security levels, while dramatically outperforming RSA methods across all tested parameters.
Quantitative results revealed that RSA-4096 could be up to approximately 1,500 times less energy efficient than ML-KEM-1024. These discrepancies underscore the compelling need to transition away from RSA toward quantum-resistant alternatives to ensure cryptographic sustainability and efficacy in the future computing landscape.
Implications and Recommendations
The implications of this research are multifold, underscoring the necessity for cryptographic systems to evolve in response to emerging post-quantum vulnerabilities. Given the demonstrated advantages in energy efficiency, the paper advocates for the adoption of lattice-based PQC techniques for new deployments, with a call to phase out non-quantum-safe methods in existing applications. The paper suggests that post-quantum cryptography not only fortifies against potential quantum attacks but also promises enhanced sustainability given its energy-efficient design.
This paper lays the groundwork for further exploration in energy efficiency adoption within post-quantum cryptographic systems. Future work could extend this framework to other platforms and applications, providing comprehensive analysis across broader cryptographic use cases and environments. Additionally, leveraging hardware acceleration and evolving PQC standards could augment efforts toward a quantum-resilient future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the paper provides essential insight into the energy demands of traditional versus post-quantum cryptographic key generation, highlighting lattice-based techniques as viable successors to classical methods. As the cryptographic community looks to future-proof its foundations against quantum threats, integrating PQC presents not only a safeguard against vulnerability but also a path toward sustainable encryption solutions. The implications of this research extend into practical implementations, encouraging the industry and academia to prioritize quantum-resistant technologies in the evolution of secure communications protocols.
