Lightweight, Fast and Secure Data Authentication Algorithm for Satellite Application

Abstract

Authenticity and integrity of data are two primary and critical information security services, which are generally provided together through data authentication algorithms in many of the modern-day communication applications. Cipher based Message Authentication Code (CMAC) is one of the widely used authentication algorithms and also recommended for space applications. Besides, CMAC has some limitations, such as security vulnerabilities and serial architecture. On the other hand, due to the advent and growth of Space Information Network (SIN) and the trend of miniaturization of satellites, lightweight, fast, high data rate supported algorithms are desired nowadays for satellite applications. This paper presents a new lightweight authentication algorithm which removes the shortcomings of the CMAC algorithm to provide more efficient and secure data authentication. Experimental results validate the performance superiority of the proposed algorithm over the CMAC algorithm.