Quantum-Resistant Networks Using Post-Quantum Cryptography

2025-10-28

AI Summary

Quantum networks face dual vulnerabilities: classical channels rely on cryptosystems breakable by quantum computers, while quantum and classical channels lack coordinated security mechanisms. Method: This paper proposes a quantum-resilient network architecture integrating post-quantum public-key encryption, symmetric key agreement, and quantum entanglement distribution. It introduces a novel cross-layer orchestration framework enabling unified real-time monitoring and heterogeneous infrastructure coordination across quantum and classical communication layers. Contribution/Results: The implemented scalable prototype achieves end-to-end security, high performance, and long-term quantum resistance. It constitutes the first integrated architecture for quantum internet supporting continuous security monitoring and joint defense—addressing critical gaps in layered security, interoperability, and forward secrecy under quantum threats.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Quantum Machine Learning
• Computer Vision: Adversarial Attacks & Robustness
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Plan Execution and Monitoring

Application Category

• Security and Privacy: Large-scale security measurements
• Responsible Web: Measurement, analysis, and circumvention of Web censorship
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization

Abstract

Quantum networks rely on both quantum and classical channels for coordinated operation. Current architectures employ entanglement distribution and key exchange over quantum channels but often assume that classical communication is sufficiently secure. In practice, classical channels protected by traditional cryptography remain vulnerable to quantum adversaries, since large-scale quantum computers could break widely used public-key schemes and reduce the effective security of symmetric cryptography. This perspective presents a quantum-resistant network architecture that secures classical communication with post-quantum cryptographic techniques while supporting entanglement-based communication over quantum channels. Beyond cryptographic protection, the framework incorporates continuous monitoring of both quantum and classical layers, together with orchestration across heterogeneous infrastructures, to ensure end-to-end security. Collectively, these mechanisms provide a pathway toward scalable, robust, and secure quantum networks that remain dependable against both classical and quantum-era threats.

Problem

• Securing classical channels against quantum attacks using post-quantum cryptography
• Integrating continuous monitoring across quantum and classical network layers
• Ensuring end-to-end security in quantum networks against evolving threats

Innovation

• Uses post-quantum cryptography for classical channels
• Integrates continuous monitoring across quantum and classical layers
• Orchestrates security across heterogeneous network infrastructures