ChatGPT vs. Lightweight Security: First Work Implementing the NIST Cryptographic Standard ASCON

This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to explore the intersection between lightweight cryptography (LWC) and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) language models. LWC, in particular the ASCON algorithm which has been selected as the LWC standard by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Feb. 2023, has become increasingly significant for preserving data security given the quick expansion and resource limitations of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. On the other hand, OpenAI's large language model (LLM) ChatGPT has demonstrated significant potential in producing complex, human-like text. This paper offers a novel method for implementing the NIST LWC standard, ASCON, using the GPT-4 model. Moreover, this paper details the design and functionality of ASCON, the procedures and actual Python implementation of ASCON using ChatGPT, and a discussion of the outcomes. The results contribute valuable insights into the efficient application of advanced AI language models in cryptography, particularly in constrained environments. Source code can be found at: https://github.com/DrCintas/ASCON-with-ChatGPT.