Performance Evaluation of Cryptographic Algorithms Across Heterogeneous Architectures: Implications for Post-Quantum Secure Systems

Abstract

The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses significant challenges to traditional cryptographic systems, necessitating the evaluation of efficient post-quantum solutions. This study aims to evaluate the performance of cryptographic algorithms across heterogeneous computing platforms and assess their suitability for post-quantum secure systems. A quantitative research design based on secondary data analysis was adopted, utilizing pre-collected performance measurements across x86_64 and Raspberry Pi platforms (RPi2, RPi3, and RPi4). The analysis focused on key metrics, including mean execution time, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. The results revealed a clear performance hierarchy, with x86_64 systems outperforming all embedded platforms, while RPi4 demonstrated significant improvements over earlier Raspberry Pi versions. Post-quantum algorithms, particularly Kyber and Dilithium, exhibited efficient and stable performance, outperforming traditional algorithms such as RSA and Diffie–Hellman in terms of execution time and variability. Additionally, substantial performance gains were observed across successive Raspberry Pi generations, highlighting the impact of hardware advancements on cryptographic efficiency. The findings suggest that selected post-quantum algorithms are suitable for deployment in resource-constrained environments and can support the development of scalable and secure systems. This study contributes to bridging the gap between theoretical cryptographic design and practical implementation by providing empirical insights into performance trade-offs across heterogeneous architectures.