Quantum computers impose an immense threat to system security. As a countermeasure, new cryptographic classes have been created to prevent these attacks. Technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and quantum cryptography. Quantum cryptography uses the principle of quantum physics to produce theoretically unbreakable security. This tertiary review selected 51 secondary studies from the Scopus database and presented bibliometric analysis, a list of the main techniques used in the field, and existing open challenges and future directions in quantum cryptography research. The results showed a prevalence of QKD over other techniques among the selected papers and stated that the field still faces many problems related to implementation cost, error correction, decoherence, key rates, communication distance, and quantum hacking.
Quantum computers impose an immense threat to system security. As a countermeasure, new cryptographic classes have been created to prevent these attacks. Technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and quantum cryptography. Quantum cryptography uses the principle of quantum physics to produce theoretically unbreakable security. This tertiary review selected 51 secondary studies from the Scopus database and presented bibliometric analysis, a list of the main techniques used in the field, and existing open challenges and future directions in quantum cryptography research. The results showed a prevalence of QKD over other techniques among the selected papers and stated that the field still faces many problems related to implementation cost, error correction, decoherence, key rates, communication distance, and quantum hacking.
Quantum cryptography, a branch of cryptography that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, has emerged as a critical field in the face of the looming quantum computing threat to classical cryptographic systems. This paper explores the current landscape of quantum cryptography, focusing on the threats posed by quantum computers, the development and evaluation of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, and the challenges associated with their implementation. We provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of quantum cryptography, including quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum-resistant algorithms, and the integration of these technologies into existing communication infrastructures. The paper also discusses the future directions and potential advancements in the field, highlighting the importance of continued research and collaboration to ensure the security of cryptographic systems in the post-quantum era
This study provides a comprehensive review of quantum cryptography and its implications for U.S. national security in the face of emerging quantum technologies. The primary objective is to investigate the potential of quantum cryptographic methods in creating unbreakable encryption and their future role in enhancing digital security. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the study draws on recent peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and academic journals from 2013 to 2023. The methodology focuses on evaluating the evolution, current state, and challenges of quantum cryptography, along with its integration into existing security frameworks. Key findings reveal that Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) offer promising solutions against the threats posed by quantum computing to classical encryption methods. However, the practical implementation of these technologies faces significant challenges, including technological limitations and the need for global standardization. The study underscores the urgency for U.S. national security policy to prioritize the development and integration of quantum-resistant cryptographic technologies and to foster international collaboration for standardization. Finally, the study highlights the transformative potential of quantum cryptography in digital security, emphasizing the need for continued research and collaboration to overcome implementation challenges. Future research directions include the development of efficient quantum cryptographic protocols and ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of quantum technologies. This study contributes to the discourse on securing national interests in the face of advancing quantum computing capabilities. Keywords: Quantum Cryptography, Digital Security, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution.
The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to classical cryptographic systems that rely on the computational hardness of mathematical problems such as integer factorization and discrete logarithm problems. In this context, quantum cryptography has emerged as a promising paradigm for secure communication based on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics rather than on computational assumptions. This paper presents a comprehensive review of quantum cryptography, with a particular focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the most mature application. The study discusses the theoretical foundations of quantum security, including superposition, entanglement, and the No-cloning theorem, which collectively enable eavesdropping detection and guarantee information-theoretic security. Furthermore, the review examines major QKD protocols, such as BB84 and E91, as well as their advanced variants designed to address practical vulnerabilities and enhance performance. Recent progress in real-world implementations, including fiber-optic networks, free-space communication, and satellite-based systems such as the Micius satellite, is also analyzed. In addition, the paper highlights critical challenges related to scalability, hardware limitations, and security loopholes arising from imperfect devices. Finally, emerging research directions, including hybrid cryptographic frameworks that integrate quantum and post-quantum approaches, are discussed to provide insights into the future of secure communication. This review aims to provide a structured, up-to-date understanding of quantum cryptography, bridging the gap between theoretical developments and practical implementations, and emphasizing its crucial role in shaping next-generation cybersecurity systems.
Abstract: Quantum-cryptography represents a revolutionary advancement in the field of secure correspondence, leveraging the principles of quantum-mechanics to ensure unprecedented levels of security. This review paper provides a comprehensive exploration of both the foundational principles and advanced techniques underpinning quantum cryptographic systems. We begin by examining the theoretical foundations, including quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols such as BB84 and E91, and the critical role of entanglement and superposition in these processes. The paper then delves into the latest advancements and techniques in the field, including device-independent QKD, quantum cryptographic networks, and post-quantum cryptographic methods designed to be resilient against quantum computer attacks. Additionally, we discuss practical implementation challenges and the current state of experimental quantum cryptography. By synthesizing recent research findings and technological developments, this review aims to provide a thorough comprehension of the current environment and future directions of quantum cryptography, highlighting its potential to revolutionize secure communications in the quantum era.
In the modern digital era, where cyber-attacks, data breaches, and digital spying threaten global security, conventional cryptographic systems face increasing challenges. The rapid development of quantum computing has amplified these threats by undermining the security foundations of classical encryption algorithms such as RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), both of which depend on the computational hardness of factorization and discrete logarithmic problems. Quantum cryptography, rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, introduces a transformative approach that ensures theoretically unbreakable security. This paper explores the theoretical foundations, current technological developments, challenges, and future prospects of quantum cryptography. It emphasizes the transition from mathematical security to physical security, highlighting quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum random number generation, and post-quantum cryptographic frameworks. The study concludes that quantum cryptography is not merely a futuristic ideal but a necessary evolution for safeguarding the digital future in a quantum-enabled world
Abstract Quantum computing exploits superposition and entanglement to process information in an exponentially large state space, enabling algorithms such as Shor’s to factor large integers efficiently and thereby undermining RSA and elliptic curve cryptography. Quantum cryptography, here encompassing post quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms and quantum key distribution (QKD), is a leading candidate for protecting data against quantum capable adversaries. PQC designs classical schemes conjectured to be secure against both quantum and classical attacks, whereas QKD uses quantum mechanics to detect eavesdropping and establish information theoretically secure keys. Existing literature and limitations. Recent surveys summarise PQC families and the standardisation process led by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and reviews outline QKD protocols and their challenges. However, most prior work either addresses narrow subtopics or does not systematically synthesise empirical evidence across technical and application domains. As a result, there is still limited integrated understanding of key issues, technologies, mathematical foun dations, algorithms, programming tools and real world deployments. Objective and contributions of this review. This study systematically analyses 61 peer reviewed journal articles published within the last five years that focus on quantum cryptography. Using Covidence to manage study identification, selection, quality assessment, data extraction and narrative synthesis, it (a) characterises current issues and challenges; (b) surveys recent technological advancements and implementations; (c) evaluates algorithmic approaches and their effectiveness; (d) examines the underlying mathematical models; (e) maps the programming languages and tools used to implement quantum schemes; and (f) synthesises evidence on practical applications and future research directions. The review integrates findings on PQC and QKD, highlights gaps in the current evidence base, and offers practitioners, scholars and policymakers guidance for developing quantum secure communication systems. Keywords Quantum cryptography, Post quantum cryptography, Quantum key distribution, Systematic literature review, Quantum secure communication