Securing large-scale data processing: Integrating lightweight cryptography in MapReduce

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the imperative of data security stands paramount. With the proliferation of sensitive information being stored and transmitted online, the necessity for robust encryption algorithms has grown exponentially. However, the suitability of traditional encryption methods in resource-constrained settings, like mobile devices and cloud computing, remains a concern due to their computational intensity. To address this, researchers have introduced a novel category of encryption algorithms known as lightweight cryptography algorithms. These cryptographic solutions are designed to offer robust security while minimizing computational demands, thus striking a harmonious balance between security and efficiency. While lightweight cryptography algorithms present a promising solution, their adequacy for applications demanding exceptionally high security, particularly within Big Data environments, warrants careful consideration. In this study, we presented a novel approach involving the utilization of lightweight cryptography algorithms within the MapReduce framework. By subjecting these algorithms to rigorous experimentation, we assessed their performance using software-oriented metrics from various dimensions.