A Lightweight authentication approach based on linear feedback shift register and majority function for internet of things

Internet of Things (IoT) is a ubiquitous network of connected physical objects with unique identity (ID), which can be controlled through a variety of communication technologies. In this paper, a robust and lightweight three-factor authentication approach based on Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) is proposed for the Internet of things. Moreover, the majority function is utilized to eliminate the linear structure of LFSRs and increase the security of end-to-end devices. The informal security analysis reveals that the proposed approach by providing anonymity property and forward secrecy can resist replay, impersonation, eavesdropping, and man-in-the-middle attacks. In addition, the formal security of the proposed approach has been evaluated through Real-Or-Random (ROR) model, and comprehensive simulations have been performed by the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA) tool to validate its safety. Furthermore, analysis of communication cost and computational cost indicates that the overhead of the proposed approach is negligible.