Ultra-Lightweight Encryption for STL Files in IoT-based 3D Printing

Abstract

In the expanding landscape of open hardware and software, the preservation of privacy is paramount for individuals, products, and systems. This study focuses on the security implications pertaining to stereolithography (STL) files in the 3D printing domain, within the scope of the Internet of Things (IoT). As business models increasingly rely on copyrighted content to fuel free services, the application of lightweight encryption becomes crucial in safeguarding STL files utilized in 3D printing operations. In cognizance of the unique needs of the IoT, such as reduced energy consumption, efficient computation, and superior performance metrics, an adaptation of the pioneering Ultra-Lightweight encryption algorithm, modified PRESENT, is proposed. Modifications are made within the substitution box (s-box) of the PRESENT algorithm, yielding a version that consumes less computational time and power. This modified s-box fulfills several evaluation criteria for assessing security parameters, including bijective property, nonlinearity, and strict avalanche criteria, suggesting a substantial resistance to breaches. The application of this customized PRESENT algorithm to secure STL files in IoT-linked 3D printing demonstrates its efficacy in protecting sensitive data, even under the restrictive resources of IoT environments. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the intersection of security and accessibility in the age of open-source hardware and software.