Hardware-Based Implementations of the RSA Algorithm and Their Potential use in Providing Data Security in Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract

Cyber-Physical Systems pose unique cybersecurity challenges because of their strict operating constraints, complex interactions, and heterogeneous nature. However, the tight integration of cyber-physical systems and critical infrastructures also makes security paramount to their implementation. Traditional, software-based methods for providing data confidentiality are often not capable of adhering to the strict temporal and spatial requirements of these systems. One proposed solution to providing data security in cyber-physical systems is the use of Field Programmable Gate Arrays to implement traditional cryptographic algorithms at a hardware level. This thesis proposes three different implementations of the RSA algorithm that will be designed, implemented, and evaluated for their feasibility in providing data security to cyber-physical systems.