Journal of Computing Theories and Applications
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): JCTA 4(1) 2026

A Side-Channel-Aware Cryptographic Framework for Secure Interactive, Embedded, IoT, and Edge Communication Systems

Walid W. Souror (Zagazig University)
Mohamed Fouad (Higher Institute of Technology in Beheira)
Fahmi Khalif (Mansoura University)
Ali E. Takieldeen (Delta University for Science and Technology)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jul 2026

Abstract

Secure interactive, embedded, and edge communication systems are often deployed in physically exposed environments where algorithmically secure ciphers may exhibit implementation-specific leakage. This paper presents a simulation-based evaluation of a configurable hybrid AES-Blowfish framework comprising AES-Hybridization, Combined Blowfish Trilogy, and cascaded Blowfish-to-AES modes. The AES-Hybridization path combines AES-256-CBC, Argon2id-derived whitening material, HMAC-based integrity binding, plaintext masking, and modeled randomized hiding activity. The hiding activity is represented solely within the leakage simulation and does not modify the plaintext or ciphertext. The Blowfish path employs session-dependent P-array randomization, dynamic S-box initialization, and a three-stage Feistel-like structure. The framework is evaluated using representative IoT/edge workload proxies, component-level ablation studies, modeled leakage assessment, non-ideal leakage scenarios, parameter-sensitivity analysis, and a software-level performance model. Compared with the simulated baseline configurations, the proposed modes reduce modeled TVLA, CPA, and DPA distinguishability, with AES-Hybridization providing the most balanced security-performance trade-off and the cascaded mode achieving the lowest modeled distinguishability at the highest computational cost. All findings are derived exclusively from simulation; no validation using physical power traces, electromagnetic traces, FPGA implementations, or microcontroller platforms is claimed.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jcta

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management

Description

Journal of Computing Theories and Applications (JCTA) is a refereed, international journal that covers all aspects of foundations, theories and the practical applications of computer science. FREE OF CHARGE for submission and publication. All accepted articles will be published online and accessed ...