An Optimal Cipher Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Recent advances in wireless technologies have led to an unprecedented growth in the number and variety of devices connected to networks. These devices collect, process, and transmit massive volumes of data. A major concern for wireless sensor networks is the protection of the transmitted data. In recent years, various lightweight encryption algorithms have been proposed to ensure the security of data transmitted through IoT networks. Symmetric key ciphers, particularly block ciphers, play a crucial role in securing devices. While the RECTANGLE algorithm is effective in encryption, it lacks sufficient confusion and diffusion properties essential for robust security. To address these limitations, we enhanced the RECTANGLE algorithm by incorporating a 3D cipher and modifying the key scheduling algorithm. Security analysis and performance tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results showed that the enhanced algorithm outperforms its original version, achieving a 51%-bit error rate in sensitivity to both key changes and plaintext variations, demonstrating improved cryptographic strength.