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Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences cover
Open Access ·Peer-reviewed·ISSN (Online): 2169-0103·ISSN (Print): 0252-2667

WoS  JIF 2026 : 0.4 (Q4)

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Monthly Journal: Publishes theoretical and applied research on topics in information and optimization sciences.

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Open Access Research Article

Enhanced ChaCha20 for next-generation cryptography : A secure and efficient lightweight encryption scheme

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pp. 1–24Vol. 47Issue 2February 2026DOI: 10.47974/JIOS-2114XML
Received:
15 Apr 2025
Published Online:
20 Jan 2026
Article type:
Research Article
Language:
EN
Article no.:
JIOS-2114
Pages:
1–24

Abstract

This work introduces a modified ChaCha20 encryption algorithm, an improved variation of the ChaCha20 family, designed to provide superior security, enhanced efficiency, and optimal resource use for contemporary cryptographic applications. The proposed model enhances diffusion by employing a non-linear transformation function, ensuring that even minor alterations in input yield highly unpredictable outcomes. A distinctive permutation layer is incorporated following each set of quarter rounds to augment unpredictability and state mixing, fortifying resistance to statistical and differential attacks. The method employs a 20-round structure, alternating between column and diagonal quarter rounds, and incorporates an efficient state finalization technique that ensures security without significantly increasing computational demands. The proposed method demonstrates superior performance compared to ChaCha8, ChaCha12, ChaCha20, and SuperChaCha20, as evidenced by an improved avalanche effect (50.8462%), heightened Shannon entropy (0.99995), and reduced encryption time, thereby surpassing them in both security and efficiency. Furthermore, the model demonstrates minimal energy consumption (0.55 J) and improved memory efficiency (6 KB), making it suitable for IoT security, lightweight cryptographic applications, and real-time data encryption. The improved ChaCha20 Algorithm, characterized by rapid encryption, strong security, and efficient resource use, is a reliable cryptographic solution for contemporary secure communication networks.

Keywords

Subject Classifications

94A6068P2568M25

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