Lightweight Parabola Chaotic Keyed Hash Using SRAM-PUF for IoT Authentication

This paper introduces a lightweight and efficient keyed hash function tailored for resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) environments, leveraging the chaotic properties of the Parabola Chaotic Map. By combining the inherent unpredictability of chaotic systems with a streamlined cryptographic design, the proposed hash function ensures robust security and low computational overhead. The function is further strengthened by integrating it with a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) based on SRAM initial values, which serves as a secure and tamper-resistant source of device-specific keys. Experimental validation on an ESP32 microcontroller demonstrates the function's high sensitivity to input variations, exceptional statistical randomness, and resistance to cryptographic attacks, including collisions and differential analysis. With a mean bit-change probability nearing the ideal 50% and 100% reliability in key generation under varying conditions, the system addresses critical IoT security challenges such as cloning, replay attacks, and tampering. This work contributes a novel solution that combines chaos theory and hardware-based security to advance secure, efficient, and scalable authentication mechanisms for IoT applications.