Conventional cryptographic approaches face increasing insecurity because quantum computing and attacks enabled by AI operate at a rapid speed of technological advancement. The review analyzes IEEE research activities on progressive cryptographic methods consisting of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) in addition to zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) and AI-augmented cryptographic models. We explore both advantages and limitations in addition to applicable uses for protecting modern digital frameworks which include blockchain, IoT and 5G networks. Standardization efforts as well as hybrid crypto framework trends receive analysis in the article to establish long-lasting secure systems.
Conventional cryptographic approaches face increasing insecurity because quantum computing and attacks enabled by AI operate at a rapid speed of technological advancement. The review analyzes IEEE research activities on progressive cryptographic methods consisting of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) in addition to zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) and AI-augmented cryptographic models. We explore both advantages and limitations in addition to applicable uses for protecting modern digital frameworks which include blockchain, IoT and 5G networks. Standardization efforts as well as hybrid crypto framework trends receive analysis in the article to establish long-lasting secure systems.
The impending arrival of cryptographically relevant quantum computing threatens classical public‑key infrastructures. This paper reviews the latest developments (2025–2026) in post‑quantum cryptography (PQC), fully homomorphic encryption (FHE), and zero‑knowledge proofs (ZKP). NIST has advanced nine signature candidates to its third evaluation round and selected HQC as a backup encryption standard. Novel primitives include bio‑inspired RNA‑based cryptography, algebraic hash signatures, and topology‑mined lattice schemes. FHE has reached its fifth generation with the GL scheme and the MadPanthera virtual processor, while lightweight ZKPs such as Microsoft’s Vega enable mobile‑friendly verification. These advances demonstrate rapid maturation toward deployable quantum‑safe systems.
The accelerated advancements in quantum computing substantially threaten classical cryptographic systems, particularly those that rely on RSA, ECC, and other public key encryption methods. Particularly Shor's method shows how easily conventional cryptographic techniques might be broken; therefore quick development of quantum resistant substitutes is necessary. Rising as a potential answer with cryptographic algorithms meant to resist quantum attacks is post quantum cryptography (PQC). Nonetheless, performance trade-offs, compatibility problems, and the absence of standardized implementations make the shift to completely quantum-safe cryptographic systems very difficult. Hybrid PQC systems that combine conventional and quantum resistant cryptographic mechanisms have been suggested as a workable method for tackling these difficulties so guaranteeing security in the post quantum future. Emphasizing their security, performance, and practical implementations, this review article offers a thorough study of hybrid PQC methods. The resistance of many hybrid cryptographic models including lattice-based, code-based, and multivariate cryptographic techniques against quantum attacks is comprehensively investigated in this work methodologically, we review current PQC hybrid models, evaluate their computing efficiency, and examine security criteria grounded on recent research and standardizing initiatives like those under NIST. Our results show that hybrid PQC models create difficulties in terms of key management, computational overhead, and implementation complexity even if they improve security by reducing risks related with both conventional and quantum attacks. A comparative study shows among several hybrid systems the trade-offs in terms of encryption speed, key sizes, and resource use. Moreover showing the feasibility of PQC hybridizing in IoT, cloud computing, and block chain security are pragmatic uses of PQC hybridizing in which case appropriate protocols are needed for broad acceptance. At last, our work emphasizes the significant contribution hybrid PQC models provide in the transitional period producing a quantum secure environment. To enable basic integration into the present digital infrastructure, future research should focus on improving the efficiency of hybrid cryptosystems, optimizing key exchange mechanisms, and regulating standardization concerns. The findings of this study support the present discussion on post quantum security and provide data for academics and corporate leaders aiming for the next generation of cryptographic solutions. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17873992
Cryptography is a key enabling tool in digital security that is needed to protect information, secure communication, and ensure the integrity between connected networks. As cybersecurity threats continue to emerge constantly and, as evidenced by APTs, ransomware, and, later, quantum cyber threats, the need for stronger, more modern generations of cryptographic methods is more urgent than ever. Therefore, this paper seeks to discuss the emerging trends in the most recent cryptographic advancements including post quantum cryptography, homomorphic cryptography and security paradigms leveraging on blockchain system. These techniques are equally effective in correcting significant limitations of existing systems and in improving their overall efficiency and rates. The coursework points out the inherent weaknesses of traditional cryptographic solutions, such as the exposure to quantum computing threat models and their ability to address current and future security needs. Through a brief discussion of the theoretical background and practical implementations, this paper aims to assess the efficiency of the latest cryptographic technologies in strengthening network security measures. Research insights show that using third-generation cryptographic approaches is far more effective in protecting information from new risks. Besides, applying these methods in essential industries, including finance, healthcare, and IoT, supports the practical utilization of these methods. Based on the findings of this research, these innovations should be adopted to secure digital structure in a growing complex environment.
With the constantly changing world of computers nowadays, the introduction of quantum computing has posed immense threats to the security of old and previous encryption algorithms. Post-Quantum Cryptography or PQC refers to a new generation of algorithms specifically created to resist the intense quantum computer attacks and offer secure and long-lasting protection to digital communications. As the potential of quantum technology becomes increasingly evident, the pursuit of secure, future-proof cryptographic solutions has never been more critical. This systematic review explores different PQC solutions for their strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of implementation. provides a comprehensive analysis of key studies on quantum-resistant algorithms, migration strategies and examines cryptographic security measures to present a complete picture of the latest advancements in quantum-safe cryptography. In this systematic paper, different PQC algorithms such as lattice, hash, code, multivariate and isogeny are reviewed along with their advantages and disadvantages. It also discusses how such findings will affect the security of real world communication, digital signatures, as well as blockchain security. This ensures how important it is to establish standardized PQC protocols for overall data security. This paper concludes with what future research directions and practical considerations relate to the adoption of PQC in critical infrastructures.
There is an urgent threat of massive computerised systems that promote the active shift in the strategy of digital fraction of communications and data protection. This chapter examines a relatively difficult and rapidly advancing field of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) that deals with the design of new primitive cryptology resistant to even the most challenging, such as Shor and Grover, quantum algorithms. We also further investigate the most important families of PQCs undergoing standardisation and analysis, such as lattice-based, code-based, multivariate, and hash-based schemes, their expected mathematical security, and performance trade-off in terms of key size, computation cost, and resistance to side-channel attacks. Besides the underlying algorithms, we also consider the thorny circumstances along with the most significant instantaneous-first steps of effective global transition, procedures such as integration with the existing security mechanisms, secure management of the new PQC keys, and the thorny issue of hybrid solutions, which consist of a combination of PQC and existing classical methods. Finally, we look at the prospects of the research and have a discussion of the innovation; the entire problem of fully homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs on a quantum-safe system, as even today, the flexibility of cryptography and innovativeness are still required to ensure that information security is guaranteed in the long-term perspectives of the quantum-sensitive world.
The advancement of quantum computing poses a direct threat to classical cryptographic systems, necessitating the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption techniques to maintain data integrity, confidentiality, and trust in digital communications. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols - specifically BB84, E91, and B92 - alongside post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, including lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate-quadratic systems. These techniques represent two complementary approaches: QKD leverages quantum mechanical principles for secure key exchange, while PQC reinforces classical cryptography against quantum threats using novel mathematical constructs. A comparative analysis is conducted focusing on security robustness, computational efficiency, and deployment scalability. Real-world constraints such as infrastructure limitations, key management complexity, and algorithmic overhead are also critically examined. The paper also investigates the standardization efforts led by NIST, ISO, and ETSI, highlighting current challenges to global adoption, including the lack of interoperability frameworks and varying readiness levels across industries. The findings underscore the need for hybrid cryptographic models that integrate classical and quantum-resistant mechanisms, offering a pragmatic path forward as quantum capabilities mature. Future directions include integrating quantum cryptography with cloud security, advancing homomorphic encryption, and developing quantum-safe blockchain technologies. These innovations are crucial for building resilient cybersecurity infrastructures capable of supporting next-generation applications such as secure edge computing, confidential AI model sharing, and tamper-proof digital ledgers. This research provides timely insights into the evolving cryptographic landscape and emphasizes the urgency of preparing for the quantum future through interdisciplinary collaboration and proactive technological adaptation.