Post quantum cryptographic keys generated with physical unclonable functions

Bertrand Cambou, Michael Gowanlock, Bahattin Yildiz, Dina Ghanaimiandoab, Kaitlyn Lee, Stefan Nelson, Christopher Philabaum, Alyssa Stenberg, Jordan Wright

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lattice and code cryptography can replace existing schemes such as elliptic curve cryptography because of their resistance to quantum computers. In support of public key infrastructures, the distribution, validation and storage of the cryptographic keys is then more complex for handling longer keys. This paper describes practical ways to generate keys from physical unclonable func-tions, for both lattice and code-based cryptography. Handshakes between client devices containing the physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and a server are used to select sets of addressable positions in the PUFs, from which streams of bits called seeds are generated on demand. The public and private cryptographic key pairs are computed from these seeds together with additional streams of random numbers. The method allows the server to independently validate the public key generated by the PUF, and act as a certificate authority in the network. Technologies such as high performance computing, and graphic processing units can further enhance security by preventing attackers from making this independent validation when only equipped with less powerful computers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2801
JournalApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2 2021

Keywords

  • Code cryptography
  • High performance computing
  • Lattice cryptography
  • Physical un-clonable function
  • Post quantum cryptography
  • Public key infrastructure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Instrumentation
  • General Engineering
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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