Comprehensive Analysis of Post-Quantum Cryptography in Embedded Systems

On April 18, 2025, researchers Omar Alnaseri, Yassine Himeur, Shadi Atalla, and Wathiq Mansoor published a comprehensive analysis titled Complexity of Post-Quantum Cryptography in Embedded Systems and Its Optimization Strategies. The article examines the challenges and optimization techniques for implementing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms in resource-constrained environments, categorizing these algorithms into distinct families based on their mathematical foundations. By evaluating specific candidates like CRYSTALS-Kyber and McEliece, the study provides insights into balancing performance, memory usage, and energy efficiency for secure communication in embedded systems.

With advancements making RSA and ECC vulnerable, NIST is standardizing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms. This paper categorizes PQC into lattice-based, code-based, hash-based, and multivariate/isogeny-based families, each with distinct resource profiles suitable for different applications. It discusses optimization strategies like pipelining, parallelization, and HLS to enhance performance and energy efficiency. A complexity analysis of CRYSTALS-Kyber and McEliece compares their key generation, encryption, and decryption processes in terms of computational demands.

The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to modern cryptographic systems. Current encryption methods, such as RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), rely on mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve. However, quantum computers, with their ability to perform complex calculations exponentially faster than traditional computers, could render these systems obsolete. This potential breakthrough in computing power has sparked a global effort to develop cryptographic methods resistant to quantum attacks—known as post-quantum cryptography.

Post-quantum cryptography focuses on developing encryption algorithms that can withstand the computational power of future quantum computers. These algorithms are designed to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks, ensuring long-term protection for sensitive data.

One promising approach is lattice-based cryptography, which relies on mathematical structures known as lattices. Lattice-based methods are considered highly resistant to quantum attacks due to their complexity and the lack of efficient quantum algorithms capable of solving them. Another approach involves hash-based signatures, which leverage cryptographic hash functions to create secure digital signatures that remain robust even in the face of quantum computing threats.

To address the challenges of implementing post-quantum cryptographic methods efficiently, researchers have turned to high-level synthesis (HLS). HLS is a design automation technique that allows engineers to describe hardware systems at a high level of abstraction, enabling faster development and optimization. By applying HLS to post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, researchers can optimize their performance on embedded systems, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of real-world applications.

This approach not only accelerates the development process but also ensures that these cryptographic methods are energy-efficient and scalable. As quantum computing continues to evolve, the ability to implement secure cryptographic solutions efficiently will be critical for maintaining trust in digital systems.

The transition to post-quantum cryptography is not merely an academic exercise; it is a necessity for safeguarding sensitive data in the coming era of quantum computing. By leveraging innovative algorithms and advanced design techniques like high-level synthesis, researchers are paving the way for secure communication and data protection in the future.

As quantum computers inch closer to practicality, the race to develop and implement post-quantum cryptographic solutions grows more urgent. The success of this effort will determine whether society can maintain the security and privacy that modern digital systems currently provide—or risk a future where sensitive information is vulnerable to exploitation.