Hardware implementation of lightweight cryptographic algorithms: An overview

The main aim of the paper is to evaluate and compare the hardware implementation of three lightweight cryptographic algorithms - SKINNY, ForkAE, and Romulus to determine their efficiency and suitability for IoT environments. Methods used: theoretical analysis and summary. The study indicates that SKINNY shows good results in round-based implementations but is less efficient in serial modes, while ForkAE offers better performance for small message encryption with minimal latency. Romulus is noted for its compact hardware footprint and efficient serial mode operation, making it suitable for low-power applications. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate cryptographic solutions to balance security, performance, and resource constraints in IoT systems.