Modeling cryptographic authentication approaches for automated trusted access management in cyberphysical systems

Abstract

In the study, cryptographic authentication approaches for ensuring secure automated access in Cyber-Physical Systems were modeled and examined. The proposed research analyzed the efficiency of three cryptographic models based on Public Key Infrastructure, Zero-Knowledge Proof, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography with the challenge-response mechanism. It was investigated how each model performs under varying latency, computational, and scalability conditions in smart grids, autonomous vehicle systems, and industrial Internet of Things environments. It was identified that the Elliptic Curve Cryptography model provides the best performance in real-time and resource-constrained scenarios. It was studied that the Zero-Knowledge Proof approach ensures higher privacy protection and stronger attack resistance compared to other models. It was defined that the Public Key Infrastructure model remains effective in structured networks but exhibits higher latency. It was established that simulation tools such as Matrix Laboratory and Network Simulator 3 confirm the reliability and reproducibility of results. It was developed a comparative framework that allows researchers to select optimal authentication methods for specific operational contexts. It was justified that hybrid approaches combining multiple cryptographic mechanisms can enhance both efficiency and resilience in Cyber-Physical Systems.