Leveraging Quantum Schemes for Space Cybersecurity Resilience: A Survey

H Altaf

Pawan Whig, Balaram Yadav Kasula, Nikhitha Yathiraju +3 more

Taha Karimjee

D Navyashree, P N Jayanthi

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) leverages quantum mechanics to achieve information-theoretic secure key ex-change, resilient to both classical and quantum computational attacks. This paper proposes a novel framework that integrates QKD with machine learning-based intrusion detection in Software-Defined Networks (SDNs). Using BB84 and BB92 protocols, we evaluated resilience under intercept-resend and photon number splitting attacks. Furthermore, Random Forest and XGBoost classifiers were enhanced with QKD-generated keys to secure intrusion detection pipelines. The results show improved accuracy (99.8%) and F1-scores (85.12%) compared to classical IDS approaches, highlighting the novelty of combining QKD with ML-driven cyber defense. The study validates performance against benchmark survey works, emphasizing the role of QKD in advancing future-ready cybersecurity architectures.

Manik Kumar Sangala, Robin Naira, Akhirul Islam +2 more

Quantum computing has emerged as a transformative computing paradigm capable of solving problems that remain computationally infeasible for classical systems; however, its rapid advancement also introduces significant security, privacy, and reliability concerns. In this context, this survey presents a comprehensive review of security challenges and mitigation strategies associated with quantum computing, focusing on security issues in quantum computers, security threats caused by quantum computers, and security mechanisms developed for quantum systems. The paper examines vulnerabilities in quantum hardware and software, the impact of quantum computing on existing cryptographic infrastructures and cybersecurity mechanisms, and the development of quantum-resilient solutions such as post-quantum cryptography, quantum-safe communication protocols, quantum intrusion detection systems, and quantum-aware software engineering techniques. In addition, the survey discusses emerging applications of quantum technologies in cybersecurity domains, including malware detection, network intrusion detection, Internet of Things (IoT) security, and secure communication systems. Furthermore, the paper analyzes existing quantum error mitigation and fault-tolerance approaches designed to improve the robustness and trustworthiness of quantum computation under realistic noisy conditions. By consolidating recent advances, open research challenges, and future directions, this survey provides a structured overview of the evolving intersection between quantum computing and cybersecurity, while serving as a reference for researchers and practitioners working toward secure, resilient, and quantum-ready computing infrastructures.

Abebe Abeshu Diro

The convergence of quantum computing and space-based communications presents both significant cybersecurity risks and transformative security opportunities for modern space infrastructure. This chapter examines the impact of quantum technologies on space cybersecurity, focusing on the threats posed to classical cryptographic systems by quantum algorithms such as Shor's and Grover's, alongside emerging solutions including quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and quantum-enhanced sensing. A comparative analysis is presented between classical and quantum threats across different orbital environments. The chapter develops a taxonomy of quantum-security mechanisms tailored for space deployment, considering operational constraints such as radiation exposure, communication latency, and size, weight, and power limitations. It further evaluates implementation barriers and proposes a phased adoption roadmap centered on hybrid architectures and crypto-agile systems. A multi-layered defense framework integrating quantum-resistant protocols and adaptive threat detection is proposed to enhance resilience and future-proof space systems against evolving quantum-era cyber threats and operational challenges.