Alternate Tiny Encryption Algorithm: A Modified Tiny Encryption Algorithm for Improved Data Security

In this era of Industry 4.0, securing file data is very crucial in today’s environment with respect to data transfer of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Over the years with the evolution of technology and file storage systems, many algorithms have been used for encryption and decryption processes for securing the file data, each with its methodologies, advantages, and limitations. An efficient algorithm has very few limitations thus making it a top choice for usage. In this paper, we have proposed a symmetric key cryptographic algorithm called the Alternate Tiny Encryption Algorithm (ATEA) focusing on a strong approach for safekeeping of the file data and minimizing the weak points of the existing Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) and Extended Tiny Encryption Algorithm (XTEA). The Alternate Tiny Encryption Algorithm (ATEA) is a Feistel cipher that utilizes mixed algebraic group operations. The algorithm is simple enough to incorporate into practically any computer program and can be quickly translated into a variety of languages. It uses a unique key generation technique making the encryption of file data more secure.