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Mathematics

Toward Secure and Resilient Networks: A Zero-Trust Security Framework with Quantum Fingerprinting for Devices Accessing Network

Zaid Bassfar, Ashar Sayeed, Priti Bala, Ali Alshehri, Abdulaziz Mohammed Alanazi, Swaleha Zubair

Published Jun 10, 2023• 15 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The importance of network security has increased with the emergence of networked systems in contemporary computing, making it an essential aspect of protecting digital assets and safeguarding against cyber threats. The current security mechanisms, which rely on cryptographic keys, may be susceptible to a number of attacks, such as media access control (MAC) spoofing, which might provide unauthorized users access to network resources. This study introduces a new approach, namely a zero-trust security framework with quantum fingerprinting for devices accessing a network, that utilizes quantum technology to protect networks from security threats and intruders. The proposed architecture relies on quantum fingerprinting to authenticate devices trying to access the network, and it is built on the zero-trust security concept. The framework is intended to offer a thorough, multi-layered approach to network security that may change in response to evolving security risks and specifications. By protecting against MAC spoofing and other types of device impersonation, the adoption of quantum fingerprinting adds another degree of protection. The proposed framework may be used to construct a reliable and scalable network security solution in different network environments.

DOI
10.3390/math11122653

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The importance of network security has increased with the emergence of networked systems in contemporary computing, making it an essential aspect of protecting digital assets and safeguarding against cyber threats. The current security mechanisms, which rely on cryptographic keys, may be susceptible to a number of attacks, such as media access control (MAC) spoofing, which might provide unauthorized users access to network resources. This study introduces a new approach, namely a zero-trust security framework with quantum fingerprinting for devices accessing a network, that utilizes quantum technology to protect networks from security threats and intruders. The proposed architecture relies on quantum fingerprinting to authenticate devices trying to access the network, and it is built on the zero-trust security concept. The framework is intended to offer a thorough, multi-layered approach to network security that may change in response to evolving security risks and specifications. By protecting against MAC spoofing and other types of device impersonation, the adoption of quantum fingerprinting adds another degree of protection. The proposed framework may be used to construct a reliable and scalable network security solution in different network environments.
In today's fast-paced digital economy, the widespread adoption of new technologies brings about significant challenges in network security. This paper delves into the evolution of Zero Trust network architecture, marking a significant shift from traditional perimeter-centric security methods. It embraces the “never trust, always verify” philosophy, moving away from conventional approaches. Subsequently, the paper explores the strategic implementation of Zero Trust, focusing on essential components such as Policy Enforcement Points (PEP) and Identity and Access Management (IAM). It also addresses the challenges in deploying Zero Trust architectures, including the high demands for real-time detection, and suggests viable solutions to these challenges. An important aspect of this study is the emerging role of quantum technology in enhancing network security. The integration of quantum technology with Zero Trust principles is poised to offer more robust network protection, particularly with the advancements in quantum key research. Current research in quantum keys opens new avenues for applying the Zero Trust philosophy in practical scenarios. This fusion is instrumental in laying the foundation for a more secure and innovative network security framework, aiming to effectively counter the evolving digital threats and strengthen the infrastructure of the digital economy against potential vulnerabilities.
The requirement of efficient security protocols to protect confidential information from ever evolving cyber threat has been highlighted by the fast implementation of wireless sensor network (WSN) in numerous important domains, including healthcare monitoring, environmental surveillance and military operations. Despite their feasibility, traditional cryptographic approaches are utilized behind the computing capability of recent attackers, including the possibility of future quantum computer attacks. In order to revolutionize WSN security, this study proposes utilizing quantum cryptography and other concepts from quantum computing into the existing framework. This research leads to develop a communication protocol that is extremely safe and against the cyber-attacks. This protocol utilizes the quantum key distribution (QKD) to protect data and granting its confidential. In addition to improving security, the new architectures begin with change that makes WSN more capable of dependable and secure operations in environment where data protection is essential. A complete framework for protecting WSNs from new cyber threats in the future while keeping data transmissions and efficient process with reliability is discussed in this study. This proposed method enhances the dependencies in WSN installation across various industries, which is important for applications that need strong security measures. Evaluation results shows that the proposed method outperformed all existing methods in terms of relevant metrics.
The emergence of quantum computing is expected to break many conventional cryptographic algorithms currently used for authentication and secure communication. Existing security mechanisms in Next Generation Networks (NGNs), including 5G, IoT, smart healthcare, and cloud-based systems, are increasingly vulnerable to future quantum attacks. This research presents a lightweight and efficient Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) based authentication framework specifically designed for next generation network environments. The proposed framework combines quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques with optimized authentication procedures to provide secure identity verification, confidential communication, and attack resistance with minimal computational complexity. The model emphasizes reduced overhead, faster authentication response, and scalability for resource-constrained devices. Security analysis shows that the framework can effectively defend against replay attacks, impersonation attacks, session hijacking, and quantum-based cryptanalytic threats. Experimental evaluation indicates that the proposed approach achieves improved security performance while maintaining low latency and reduced resource consumption, making it suitable for practical deployment in future intelligent communication networks.
The evolution of smart cities will contribute to an increase in the use of interconnected physical/digital ecosystems, and consequently, an increase in threat surface for the cyber threats against the protected data streams. With the emergence of quantum-based cyberthreats, this has increased the potential range of types of cyber-attacks on protected data and increased the use of quantum-based means of conducting cyber-attacks on protected data. This research proposal presents an Internet of Things (IoT) smart city framework founded on quantum-secure standards that were developed for next-generation IoT smart cities. The IoT Smart City Framework is comprised of four levels of architecture: a Quantum Backbone, a Key Management Level, an Edge Gateway Level, and an IoT Device Layer. Consequently, through the use of this architecture, the IoT Smart City Framework can protect the IoT Smart City Network from future cybercriminal attacks while providing assurance that the IoT Smart City Framework has been 'future-proofed.' By utilizing strategically deployed quantum nodes, the proposed solution performs QKD and frees devices with limited resources from needing to perform highly computationally intensive cryptography in order to secure encrypted communications, instead employing Lightweight Encryption Standards in conjunction with Symmetric Keys established via QKD. Using simulated quantum channels and urban IoT workloads, our experimental results yield secret key rates between 12 and 18 kilobits/sec (kbps) with a low quantum bit error rate (QBER) of 1.8% to 3.2%. Based on these experimental results, we conclude that the proposed hierarchical security architecture provides a resilient security framework for urban essential services, with negligible energy consumption.
The convergence of quantum computing capabilities and sophisticated cyberattacks poses unprecedented threats to critical infrastructure communications. Traditional cryptographic defenses and perimeter-based security models are increasingly inadequate against quantum-enabled adversaries and advanced persistent threats targeting operational technology (OT) environments. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for implementing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) within a zero-trust architecture to secure critical infrastructure communications across control centers, substations, hospitals, and ports. Our approach integrates NIST-endorsed quantum-resistant cryptographic suites with identity-first network segmentation, authenticated SCADA protocol encryption, and continuous verification mechanisms. The proposed framework addresses the unique challenges of legacy industrial systems while providing scalable security for hybrid OT/IT environments. Through systematic analysis of current vulnerabilities and implementation strategies, this research demonstrates how a post-quantum zero-trust backbone can prevent catastrophic cyberattacks while maintaining operational continuity in critical infrastructure sectors.
This study investigates the incorporation of quantum computing models into established network security paradigms in order to bolster defense mechanisms against emerging cyber threats. The emergence of quantum computing poses a potential threat to the effectiveness of conventional cryptographic techniques, hence demanding a fundamental transformation in the field of network security. Our study focuses on exploring the use of quantum algorithms and quantum key distribution (QKD) mechanisms to enhance encryption and ensure secure communications. The review commences by providing a comprehensive examination of the fundamental concepts of quantum computing and its potential ramifications for the field of cybersecurity. Next, we proceed to explore particular quantum algorithms that provide resilient encryption solutions, surpassing classical equivalents in terms of both security and efficiency. This study delves deeper into the obstacles encountered during the introduction of quantum technologies and the potential ramifications they may have on network security infrastructure. By conducting simulations and theoretical evaluations, we provide evidence to support the effectiveness of quantum-enhanced security models in preventing advanced cyber-attacks. The results of our study indicate that the implementation of quantum computing models is not only viable but also essential for the progression of network security in the contemporary digital age