Implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography to Industrial Wireless Networks

The purpose of this research is to introduce a scalable system of an improved security for devices connected to a wireless network using the Advanced Encryption Standard with a Post-Quantum Cryptography standard FIPS203, Module Lattice–Key Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM). This implementation is to address concerns regarding compromised network security or bad actors sniffing packets through a data bus to collect unintended compromised data. The ML-KEM is used to create a shared secret that is used as the symmetric key that will enable the encryption and decryption method for the ciphertexts between the client and the host. This research provides a baseline implementation of added security against Quantum Computers by using an encapsulation method for key pairs, digital signatures for data integrity, and added difficulties for side-channel attacks from unauthorized users. Devices that are older than the WiFi6-compliant standard also have additional vulnerability of not having the WiFi Protected Access (WPA) third-generation security, which this work addresses. This paper proposes an added layer of encryption security that is sufficient to protect information within the network that has been compromised by an unauthorized user. Based on the findings, new features, utilities and improvements are recommended that can modernize the needs of the industry.