Digital twins-enabled transportation cyber-physical systems are employed in the transportation sector to enhance environmental quality, mobility, and safety. They are digital representations of transportation networks, enable the simulation of these networks’ behavior under various conditions. They can be employed in various transportation sectors, including forecasting traffic congestion, facilitate the optimization of flow and safety, enhance the efficiency of public transportation, improve the efficiency of freight transportation by offering support in this process, facilitates the consideration of future multimodal infrastructure development requirements, furnish drivers with up-to-date information about weather alerts, road closures, and traffic situations in real time, assess numerous aspects like, impacts of various mobility operators, transport users, and environmental conditions. However, the real-time data synchronization in digital twins-enabled transportation cyber-physical systems is accomplished using an open communication channel. Regrettably, the utilization of virtual-reality synthesizing security threats in the network necessitates the implementation of stringent privacy and security procedures, including authentication, encryption, and signature approaches. This study proposes a quantum-key-distribution (QKD)-based authentication protocol for secure communication of digital twins-enabled transportation cyber-physical systems. The integrated quantum in the system ensures the compactness and verifiability of data. The protocol’s security is examined using the Scyhter tool and is verified to be secure by informal security analysis. The proposed scheme achieves its efficiency over current solutions. Moreover, the latest technology and techniques are used to examine the operational capabilities and security features.
Digital twins-enabled transportation cyber-physical systems are employed in the transportation sector to enhance environmental quality, mobility, and safety. They are digital representations of transportation networks, enable the simulation of these networks’ behavior under various conditions. They can be employed in various transportation sectors, including forecasting traffic congestion, facilitate the optimization of flow and safety, enhance the efficiency of public transportation, improve the efficiency of freight transportation by offering support in this process, facilitates the consideration of future multimodal infrastructure development requirements, furnish drivers with up-to-date information about weather alerts, road closures, and traffic situations in real time, assess numerous aspects like, impacts of various mobility operators, transport users, and environmental conditions. However, the real-time data synchronization in digital twins-enabled transportation cyber-physical systems is accomplished using an open communication channel. Regrettably, the utilization of virtual-reality synthesizing security threats in the network necessitates the implementation of stringent privacy and security procedures, including authentication, encryption, and signature approaches. This study proposes a quantum-key-distribution (QKD)-based authentication protocol for secure communication of digital twins-enabled transportation cyber-physical systems. The integrated quantum in the system ensures the compactness and verifiability of data. The protocol’s security is examined using the Scyhter tool and is verified to be secure by informal security analysis. The proposed scheme achieves its efficiency over current solutions. Moreover, the latest technology and techniques are used to examine the operational capabilities and security features.
The rapid evolution of quantum technologies presents transformative opportunities for various industries, including the transport sector. As global supply chains grow increasingly complex and data-driven logistics become central to operational efficiency, quantum computing and quantum communication are emerging as potential enablers of next-generation transport systems. This research explores the intersection of quantum innovation and transportation, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, security, and decision-making processes in logistics and mobility. The study adopts a qualitative methodology grounded in an extensive literature review of scholarly publications, industry reports, and policy papers from the past decade. Sources were selected based on their relevance to quantum applications in transportation, including routing optimization, traffic flow prediction, secure communications, and fleet management. The review framework categorizes insights according to technological readiness, practical implementation, and strategic value in the transport sector. Findings from the literature suggest that quantum computing holds significant promise for solving large-scale optimization problems, such as dynamic route planning and freight allocation, which are currently limited by classical computational methods. Additionally, quantum key distribution (QKD) is highlighted as a secure communication solution for protecting sensitive data in autonomous and connected transport systems. Although real-world applications remain limited, pilot studies and simulations indicate measurable improvements in processing speed and security protocols. This research underscores the potential of quantum technologies to redefine competitive advantage in the transport sector. By integrating quantum solutions into existing digital infrastructure, companies may achieve faster, more secure, and more sustainable transport operations. The findings also call for interdisciplinary collaboration and proactive policy support to bridge the gap between theoretical potential and practical deployment.
The integration of consumer-centric digital twin (CCDT) technology is set to transform healthcare systems, enabling blockchain-based solutions for enhanced medical services. By precisely simulating patients and medical processes, CCDT establish a link to the virtual healthcare environment, supporting improved diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics. Blockchain technology is critical in connecting the physical and virtual health care worlds, providing secure storage, efficient communication, reduced computational costs, and reliable hosting services. However, the security of patient data and its digital twin counterpart stored on the blockchain remains a potential vulnerability, as any alteration or unauthorized access to this information could pose significant risks. To address this challenge, we propose a blockchain-enabled quantum encryption protocol for CCDT healthcare networks to ensure secure communication. The proposed protocol leverages blockchain to authenticate patients without relying on third-party entities. At the same time, a secure quantum encryption mechanism ensures that CCDT do not need to authenticate repeatedly when interacting with multiple healthcare providers. A performance evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme compared to existing encryption methods. The results indicate that the suggested protocol is resilient against various security threats, showcasing its significant potential for enhancing communication security within CCDT healthcare networks.
Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are a technological marvel forming our modern world's backbone. These systems, which integrate physical processes, embedded systems, networking infrastructure, IoT, communication protocols, intelligent algorithms, and other application-specific resources, mark the convergence of computing with control and communication. They unify physical and cyber systems, paving the way for the next generation of critical systems such as autonomous transportation, smart grids, industrial IoT, and more. The next-generation CPS, characterized by their integration of physical processes, embedded systems, networking infrastructure, IoT, communication protocols, and intelligent algorithms, are set to revolutionize our world. These systems will incorporate AI and ML-based algorithms for decision-making and optimization. At the same time, edge and fog computing models will be integrated into the infrastructure to reduce data transmission latencies. New-generation networks like 5G and above will provide high-speed connectivity and seamless integration of devices and components. Digital twins will become a standard tool for simulating new scenarios, predictive maintenance, and more. As security threats for cyber-physical systems evolve alarmingly, robust protection becomes increasingly crucial. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising solution in this context. With their ability to provide secure cryptographic key exchanges in the operating environments of cyber-physical systems, QKD protocols are gaining traction as the industry shifts towards quantum computing.
Transportation Cyber-Physical Systems (T-CPS) integrate transportation information with physical elements, enabling advanced features such as real-time vehicle tracking, collision avoidance, and intelligent traffic management. However, this also increases the need for improved security protocols to safeguard the critical identity-based data they transmit through vulnerable wireless networks, such as Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and live Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. These T-CPS, traditionally protected by classical encryption algorithms, are now vulnerable due to the rise in quantum computing. Existing solutions are hindered by their complex security features and high computational overhead. To address these challenges, we propose Quantum Key Agreement and Signature Verification (QKASV), a post-quantum protocol that integrates Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Signatures for T-CPS. QKASV uses identity-tied QKD-based keys for session creation, followed by either individual or group quantum signatures. Signatures are created by applying basic quantum gates sequentially rather than lattice-based or certificate-based schemes. Hence, this speeds up the overall key generation, distribution, and management process without compromising the enhanced security. Formal security analysis using standard security models and the Scyther cryptographic protocol verification tool proves that QKASV meets standard security requirements. Further, comparison with similar schemes shows that QKASV operates on the least communication rounds required per signature, and reduces the computational overhead by at least 12%. Therefore, QKASV offers a better security solution compared to existing schemes.
The recent advancement of smart grid systems, integrating cyber-physical systems with information and communication technologies enables real-time monitoring, control, and data transmission. However, these operations often inherently insecure communication infrastructures increasing exposure to cyber threats and data breaches. Consequently, cryptographic authenticated and key agreement protocols address cyber-attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities to protect data privacy and security in smart grid. Meanwhile, quantum computing progression is rapidly footprinted in real-world application thus quantum computing-based Grover's and Shor’s algorithm is capable for breaking classical cryptographic algorithms mathematical advances. Therefore, this review explores the adaptability of quantum computing, examines its impact on classical cryptography vulnerabilities, and highlights the role of quantum cryptography in enhancing security and scalability of smart grid cyber-physical systems. Accordingly, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the security and performance of Rivest-Shamir Adleman, elliptic curve cryptography and digital signature algorithms against quantum cryptography for highlighting their respective strengths and limitations in quantum era context. This review provides a foundation of future researchers for integrate quantum technology and develop quantum-resilient solutions that overcome the constraints of classical cryptography.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) play a vital role in modern smart environments like smart grids, healthcare systems, industrial automation, and intelligent transport systems. Ensuring secure and efficient communication in CPS is challenging due to rising cyber threats and data privacy issues. Traditional cryptographic techniques are becoming insufficient, especially with the growing threat of quantum computing. This research proposes a security framework for improving throughput efficiency of cyber-physical systems communications using quantum cryptography by implementing the B92 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. The B92 protocol utilizes only two non-orthogonal quantum vectors for secure key generation and distribution, reducing resource consumption and communication overhead. The proposed framework is simulated using MATLAB to model CPS secure communication and evaluate performance metrics such as throughput efficiency, key production rate, quantum bit error rate (QBER), and end-to-end latency. The simulation results show that the B92-based quantum cryptography approach significantly improves throughput efficiency by minimizing key negotiation time while maintaining robust security. This study highlights the effectiveness of integrating quantum cryptography in CPS for building scalable, future-proof, and secure communication systems, ensuring data integrity and privacy against emerging quantum computing threats.