Spongent: A Lightweight Hash Function for Enhancing Integrity in Resource-Constrained IoT Environments

This paper presents a detailed analysis of lightweight hash functions in the context of Internet of Things (IoT) security. With the proliferation of resource-constrained IoT devices, traditional cryptographic hash functions have proven computationally intensive and resource-demanding. Through extensive analysis of current implementations, security considerations, and performance metrics, this research provides a comprehensive evaluation of lightweight hash functions, with particular emphasis on the SPONGENT family. The study demonstrates that modern lightweight hash functions can achieve acceptable security levels while maintaining efficiency suitable for IoT applications. Through extensive analysis, the study demonstrates that modern lightweight hash functions can achieve acceptable security levels while maintaining efficiency suitable for IoT applications. The SPONGENT family of hash functions, with its versatile configurations, provides a balance between processing speed and security, making it a viable solution for enhancing IoT security. By optimizing resource efficiency, SPONGENT allows for operation on devices with limited computational resources, emphasizing minimal memory usage and reduced power consumption. This research not only underscores the importance of maintaining data integrity and privacy but also highlights the adaptability and robustness of lightweight hash functions across different IoT environments. These findings are pivotal in guiding the development of future IoT security protocols that prioritize both efficiency and security.