An Energy-Efficient Configurable Lattice Cryptography Processor for the Quantum-Secure Internet of Things

Abstract

Modern public key protocols, such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), will be rendered insecure by Shor's algorithm [1] when large-scale quantum computers are built. Therefore, cryptographers are working on quantum-resistant algorithms, and lattice-based cryptography has emerged as a prime candidate [1]. However, high computational complexity of these algorithms makes it challenging to implement lattice-based protocols on resource-constrained IoT devices, which need to secure data against both present and future adversaries. To address this challenge, we present a lattice cryptography processor with configurable parameters, which enables up to two orders of magnitude energy savings and 124K-gate reduction in system area through architectural optimizations. The ASIC demonstrates multiple lattice-based protocols proposed in Round 1 of the NIST post-quantum standardization process.