Enhancing Cybersecurity in Military IOT through Robust Encryption

Abstract

Although the expansion of IoT applications has transformed areas like security and home automation, device constraints have also generated questions around data leaks. This work suggests a new cryptographic algorithm and substitution box for safe data transfer in Internet of Things devices including smartwatches and smartphones. The proposed research is divided into two stages: (I) the creation of a substitution box (S-box), which is suggested by dividing phase space into 256 regions (0–255) using a random initial value and control parameter for the Piecewise Linear Chaotic Map (PWLCM), iterated multiple times; and (ii) the suggestion of a new encryption scheme, which is suggested by using advanced cryptographic techniques such as diffusion, bit-plane extraction, and a three-stage scrambling process (multiround, multilayer, and recursive). Random image bit-planes are XOR operated upon to produce pre-ciphertext after several S-boxes replace the jumbled data. The completely encrypted image then is produced using quantum encryption methods like phase gates, CNOT, and Hadamard. By means of experimental evaluations of nonlinearity, strict avalanche criteria (SAC), linear approximation probability (LAP), bit independence criterion (BIC), key space, entropy, correlation, energy, and histogram variance, the study assesses the resilience of the suggested S-box and encryption method. Using important metrics including entropy of 7.9998, correlation of 0.0001, energy of 0.0157, nonlinearity of 108.75, SAC of 0.5010, LAP of 0.093, BIC of 110.65, and a key space surpassing 2100, the suggested technique exhibits astonishing statistical performance. Moreover, the suggested encryption method shows that a 256 x 256 plaintext image can be encrypted in less than a second, therefore proving its fit for Internet of Things devices needing quick computing.

Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized connectivity across many sectors, including military applications, but the vast number of connected devices raises significant cybersecurity concerns due to sensitive data risks and limited device resources. Traditional encryption methods like AES and RSA pose challenges for IoT devices because of their computational and storage demands. This has led to the development of lightweight, efficient cryptographic techniques, including chaotic systems and hybrid encryption models, tailored for resource-constrained environments.

In military IoT, specialized lightweight encryption algorithms, secure routing protocols, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), post-quantum cryptography, layered encryption frameworks, blockchain key management, and adaptive encryption schemes have been proposed to enhance security while balancing performance and energy efficiency. A multi-layered cybersecurity system is essential, incorporating robust encryption engines, secure key management, AI-powered intrusion detection, real-time monitoring, and rigorous testing methods to ensure resilience against a wide range of cyberattacks.

The research emphasizes a system design using AES-256 for data encryption and ECC/RSA for key exchange, integrated with AI-based anomaly detection, secure UI modules with multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive threat detection at code and payload levels. Results show these combined measures improve data confidentiality, communication stability, and defense against attacks like man-in-the-middle and side-channel threats, though balancing strong security with device limitations remains challenging.

In conclusion, protecting military IoT infrastructures requires advanced, quantum-resistant encryption, multi-factor authentication, tamper-resistant hardware, blockchain-based access control, and continuous AI-driven monitoring. This multi-faceted approach is vital to secure sensitive military operations and maintain national security amid evolving digital threats.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity becomes a major concern of national security as military operations depend more on the Internet of Things (IoT) for surveillance, communication, and decision-making. With strong encryption as the cornerstone of a multi-layered security approach, protecting military IoT equipment including drones, smart sensors, autonomous vehicles, and communication networks from cyberthreats calls for Advanced encryption methods including TLS 1.3, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and AES-256 guarantee that private information stays confidential, tamper-proof, inaccessible to illegal organizations. Using quantum-resistant cryptography techniques also helps military systems be ready for the future and protects against possible quantum computing hazards. Beyond encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and blockchain-based access control ensure that only authorised personnel may access mission important data hence strengthening security. Tamper-resistant hardware including Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) and Hardware Security Modules (HSM) adds another layer of security, therefore preventing data breaches and guaranteeing that encryption keys stay safeguarded. Self-destruct systems help to guarantee that compromised data does not find its way into hostile hands. These steps together lower the danger of cyberattacks—including data interception, GPS spoofing, denial-of- service (DoS) attacks, and insider threats—so strengthening the resilience of military IoT infrastructure. Real-time threat detection, continuous monitoring, and AI-driven anomaly detection—all of which help to actively find and reduce any hazards—must also be part of a thorough cybersecurity system. By stopping illegal data changes, secure data transmission protocols, encrypted storage options, and distributed trust systems including blockchain can help to strengthen security even more. Maintaining ahead of changing cyber threats will depend on cooperation among defense military agencies, cybersecurity professionals, and AI-driven security systems. To sum up, in current conflict military IoT security via strong encryption is not just a need but also a strategic requirement. Strong encryption, multi-layered authentication, safe communication protocols, real-time monitoring will be the key to defending national defense systems as cyberthreats becoming more complex. Military forces may keep a safe, resilient, and cyber-hardened IoT infrastructure by always changing cybersecurity policies and including cutting-edge encryption technology, therefore guaranteeing mission success and national security in the face of mounting digital warfare concerns.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nikitha M. Kurian, Manoj Layola F, Sujan P, Prajesh S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.