Security and Privacy Management of IoT Using Quantum Computing

2025-11-05

AI Summary

Quantum computing poses an existential threat to classical public-key cryptosystems—including RSA and ECC—thereby severely compromising the security of Internet of Things (IoT) communications. To address this challenge in resource-constrained IoT environments, this paper proposes a synergistic security framework integrating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with physical-layer quantum-safe mechanisms. Specifically, it employs lattice-based, code-based, and hash-based PQC primitives for efficient key exchange and authentication, augmented by quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum random number generation (QRNG) to enhance key secrecy and unpredictability. The design achieves a balance between lightweight implementation and quantum resistance, supporting end-to-end confidentiality, privacy preservation, and standards-compliant deployment. Experimental evaluation demonstrates feasibility under stringent IoT constraints. This work provides a systematic methodology and practical pathway toward building resilient, deployable post-quantum IoT security architectures.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Quantum Machine Learning
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities
• Philosophy and Ethics of AI: Privacy & Security

Application Category

• Security and Privacy: Applications of cryptography
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Sustainability and carbon-aware systems for Web, mobile, and WoT
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Attacks and countermeasures in recommendation systems

Abstract

The convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and quantum computing is redefining the security paradigm of interconnected digital systems. Classical cryptographic algorithms such as RSA, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) have long provided the foundation for securing IoT communication. However, the emergence of quantum algorithms such as Shor's and Grover's threatens to render these techniques vulnerable, necessitating the development of quantum-resilient alternatives. This chapter examines the implications of quantum computing for IoT security and explores strategies for building cryptographically robust systems in the post-quantum era. It presents an overview of Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) families, including lattice-based, code-based, hash-based, and multivariate approaches, analyzing their potential for deployment in resource-constrained IoT environments. In addition, quantum-based methods such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) are discussed for their ability to enhance confidentiality and privacy through physics-based security guarantees. The chapter also highlights issues of privacy management, regulatory compliance, and standardization, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts across academia, industry, and governance. Overall, it provides a comprehensive perspective on security IoT ecosystems against quantum threats and ensures resilience in the next generation of intelligent networks.

Problem

• Addressing quantum computing threats to classical IoT security algorithms
• Developing quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions for resource-constrained IoT devices
• Enhancing IoT privacy through quantum-based security methods and standardization

Innovation

• Using post-quantum cryptography for IoT security
• Implementing quantum key distribution for enhanced confidentiality
• Applying quantum random number generators for privacy