Open Access

REVIEW

Attribute-Based Encryption for IoT Environments—A Critical Survey

Daskshnamoorthy Manivannan^*

Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA

* Corresponding Author: Daskshnamoorthy Manivannan. Email:

Journal on Internet of Things 2025, 7, 71-97. https://doi.org/10.32604/jiot.2025.072809

Received 04 September 2025; Accepted 20 November 2025; Issue published 24 December 2025

Abstract

Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) secures data by tying decryption rights to user attributes instead of identities, enabling fine-grained access control. However, many ABE schemes are unsuitable for Internet of Things (IoT) due to limited device resources. This paper critically surveys ABE schemes developed specifically for IoT over the past decade, examining their evolution, strengths, limitations, and access control capabilities. It provides insights into their security, effectiveness, and real-world applicability, highlights the current state of ABE in securing IoT data and access, and discusses remaining challenges and open issues.

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Keywords

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