Quantum cryptanalysis of ultralightweight mutual authentication protocols: A Grover's search model.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Cryptography
• Quantum Computing

Background:

• Quantum computing advances introduce threats to traditional cryptography via algorithms like Grover's and Shor's.
• The development of Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers (CRQCs) is a long-term concern for IT security.
• NIST has introduced post-quantum cipher suites in response to these emerging threats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the underexplored vulnerability of symmetric ultralightweight ciphers to quantum cryptanalysis.
• To demonstrate full disclosure attacks on specific ultralightweight RFID authentication protocols.
• To propose design principles for quantum-resilient minimalist ciphers.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of three ultralightweight mutual authentication protocols: ULRARP+, LRAP, and URAP.
• Demonstration of full disclosure attacks against these protocols.
• Formulation of design principles based on attack findings.

Main Results:

• Successful full disclosure attacks were demonstrated on ULRARP+, LRAP, and URAP.
• Identified vulnerabilities in ultralightweight symmetric ciphers against quantum cryptanalysis.
• Established a foundation for developing quantum-resilient cryptographic solutions for resource-constrained environments.

Conclusions:

• Ultralightweight symmetric ciphers are susceptible to quantum cryptanalysis.
• There is a need for quantum-resilient cryptographic designs for RFID and similar systems.
• The proposed design principles can guide future development of secure minimalist ciphers.