This systematic review examines the transformative impact of quantum computing (QC) on cybersecurity by analysing peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2024. The study identifies the most pressing emerging threats, particularly the vulnerability of classical cryptographic systems to quantum algorithms such as Shor’s and Grover’s. It assesses the current state of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions, including lattice-based schemes and hybrid frameworks integrating quantum key distribution (QKD). The originality of this work lies in its focus on synthesizing research across disciplines while critically evaluating implementation readiness, economic feasibility, and scalability particularly for internet of things (IoT) environments. Key contributions include the integration of real-world pilot case studies, a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) -based methodological framework, and a strategic outlook for interdisciplinary collaboration. This review provides significant insight into the evolving cybersecurity landscape and offers robust recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to navigate the quantum era with confidence.
This systematic review examines the transformative impact of quantum computing (QC) on cybersecurity by analysing peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2024. The study identifies the most pressing emerging threats, particularly the vulnerability of classical cryptographic systems to quantum algorithms such as Shor’s and Grover’s. It assesses the current state of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions, including lattice-based schemes and hybrid frameworks integrating quantum key distribution (QKD). The originality of this work lies in its focus on synthesizing research across disciplines while critically evaluating implementation readiness, economic feasibility, and scalability particularly for internet of things (IoT) environments. Key contributions include the integration of real-world pilot case studies, a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) -based methodological framework, and a strategic outlook for interdisciplinary collaboration. This review provides significant insight into the evolving cybersecurity landscape and offers robust recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to navigate the quantum era with confidence.
As technology continues to evolve, cybersecurity measures tend to be vulnerable to the computational power of quantum computers. These computers perform calculations faster than classical computers. This ability to solve tasks within polynomial time threatens current cybersecurity practices through Shor's and Grover's algorithms. Classical computers rely on mathematical hardness assumptions and are vulnerable to quantum attacks. This paper scrutinizes the double effects of quantum computing on cybersecurity and its ability to support post-quantum resistant technologies. A systematic literature review (SLR) of 24 peer-reviewed articles (2021-2025) obtained from IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, ACM, and Google Scholar was conducted, and the results identified three integral themes. Firstly, 80% of quantum computing threats studies analysed prove that Shor's algorithm can efficiently factorise large integers, rendering Rivest Shamir Alderman and Elliptic Curve Cryptography obsolete. Secondly, 65% of the studies show that Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) offers quantum-resilience in the foreseeable future. In comparison, 25% of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) papers show practical barriers like signal loss and standardization delays. 15% of studies reveal the urgent need for regulatory and ethical concerns. Key results highlight the urgent need for hybrid cryptographic systems that combine quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography, as proposed by 40% of recent publications. 46% of studies show that Europe leads quantum cybersecurity research, driven by collaborative policy efforts. This study suggests practical recommendations for accelerated adoption of NIST-standardised PQC algorithms, investment in QKD infrastructure for critical sectors, and multidisciplinary collaboration to address technical, legal, and ethical gaps. This paper provides a roadmap for mitigating quantum threats and leveraging quantum technologies to transform cybersecurity resilience in the digital era.
This study explores how to build quantum-resistant systems to safeguard digital infrastructure in the post-quantum era by uncovering the innovations, applications, algorithms, and challenges of Quantum Computing cryptography. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach a search was conducted across the following databases for the years 2021–2025: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. We shortlisted 15 studies from 519 screened articles for a comprehensive evaluation based on their relevance. Findings show strong adoption in finance, healthcare, IoT, cybersecurity, and e-government, with lattice-based PQC emerging as the most dominant cryptographic family, followed by QKD and hybrid PQC–QKD models. The review highlights key obstacles, including transition complexity, lack of global standards, high implementation costs, and integration difficulty. The study contributes by providing the first sector-aligned synthesis of innovations, identifying algorithmic trends, and mapping global research disparities through a conceptual model. It also presents a structured set of future research directions to guide policymakers, cryptographers, and practitioners preparing for quantum-enabled threats.
The rapid advancement of quantum computing presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant threats to modern cybersecurity. As quantum processors progress toward practical large-scale deployment, widely used cryptographic systems, particularly RSA, ECC, and other public-key mechanisms, face the risk of becoming obsolete. This review examines how quantum technologies can be strategically leveraged to enhance cybersecurity while simultaneously addressing the vulnerabilities introduced by quantum-enabled attacks. A systematic analysis of 35-40 peer-reviewed studies was conducted to evaluate developments in post-quantum cryptography, quantum-resistant security protocols, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and hybrid classical–quantum defense architectures. The findings reveal a rapidly evolving research landscape focused on resilient lattice-based cryptography, scalable quantum-safe communication frameworks, and early-stage quantum machine learning applications for intrusion detection. The review highlights both the promise and current limitations of quantum-driven security solutions, including hardware constraints, integration challenges, and the need for global standardization. The study underscores the urgency for governments, industries, and researchers to adopt quantum-ready cybersecurity strategies and accelerate the transition to quantum-resilient infrastructures.
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
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is an emerging field that aims to develop cryptographic algorithms resistant to attacks by quantum computers. As quantum computing technology advances, traditional cryptographic methods such as RSA and ECC are becoming increasingly vulnerable. This systematic review provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of PQC, focusing on the most promising algorithms and their potential applications. The review covers lattice-based, code-based, multivariate, and hash-based cryptographic schemes, evaluating their security, efficiency, and practicality. We also discuss the challenges and future directions in PQC, including standardization efforts and integration into existing cryptographic systems. This paper aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the next generation of cybersecurity algorithms
The emergence of quantum computing is set to reshape the landscape of cybersecurity, presenting a blend of significant challenges and groundbreaking opportunities. This paper delves into the growing risks tied to quantum technologies, with a particular focus on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and the threats posed by the possible obsolescence of traditional cryptographic methods. As quantum computing capabilities advance at a rapid pace, the need for the development of quantum-resistant security protocols has become more urgent than ever. This research investigates the vulnerabilities of current cryptographic systems, the potential dangers posed by quantum computing, and the solutions already available in the field of post-quantum cryptography. Furthermore, the paper outlines a comprehensive framework for cybersecurity solutions that are resilient to future quantum threats, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors. By reviewing current literature and technological developments, this paper provides a roadmap for transitioning to quantum-safe security practices, addressing the risks brought on by quantum advancements, and ensuring that critical infrastructure is well-defended against quantum-driven attacks. The findings indicate that while quantum computing introduces profound risks to traditional cybersecurity systems, a proactive, strategic adoption of PQC solutions can effectively protect vital infrastructure in the post-quantum age.