Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms and their application in embedded systems based on the Arduino platform. The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and resource-constrained devices has increased the demand for efficient cryptographic solutions capable of ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity while operating under limited computational and memory resources. In this context, selecting an appropriate encryption algorithm is a critical factor in developing secure embedded applications. The study examines the theoretical principles of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, highlighting their operational mechanisms, key management approaches, advantages, and limitations. Particular attention is given to widely used algorithms and cryptographic libraries available for the Arduino platform. Their implementation features, computational complexity, memory consumption, execution speed, and suitability for low-power microcontrollers are analyzed. The paper also discusses the practical aspects of integrating cryptographic functions into embedded applications designed for secure communication and data protection. The analysis demonstrates that symmetric encryption algorithms provide high processing speed and low resource consumption, making them suitable for real-time applications on microcontrollers, whereas asymmetric algorithms offer enhanced key distribution and authentication capabilities despite their higher computational requirements. The obtained results indicate that the effectiveness of cryptographic protection depends on balancing the required security level with the hardware limitations of embedded devices. The study concludes with practical recommendations for selecting encryption algorithms and cryptographic libraries for Arduino-based systems, contributing to the development of reliable and secure IoT applications and embedded information security solutions.