Key Encapsulation Mechanism-Based Integrated Encryption Scheme (KEM-IES)

TL;DR

This paper introduces KEM-IES, a quantum-resistant encryption scheme combining PQC-based KEM and Ascon, optimized for embedded systems, with implementation and performance evaluation on Raspberry Pi 4.

Contribution

It proposes a novel quantum-resistant encryption scheme (KEM-IES) integrating PQC KEM and Ascon, and evaluates its performance on embedded hardware.

Findings

KEM-IES enhances resistance to quantum attacks.

Ascon integration improves computational efficiency.

Performance on Raspberry Pi 4 demonstrates practicality.

Abstract

The Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme (ECIES) is widely regarded as a practical method and has been adopted by multiple standards. However, the advancement of quantum computing technologies poses potential security risks to ECIES. Therefore, this study proposes a Key Encapsulation Mechanism-Based Integrated Encryption Scheme (KEM-IES), which enhances resistance to quantum attacks by incorporating a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)-based Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM). Furthermore, the study integrates the Ascon algorithm, released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in August 2025, to further improve computational efficiency and enable applicability to embedded systems. The proposed KEM-IES and its Ascon-based variant are implemented on a Raspberry Pi 4, and evaluations are conducted to compare the performance of ECIES and KEM-IES.