As 5G networks mature and 6G technologies emerge, the integrity of log data becomes increasingly critical for network security, forensic analysis, and regulatory compliance. The advent of quantum computing poses unprecedented threats to current cryptographic mechanisms protecting log integrity in mobile network infrastructures. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of quantum threats to existing log integrity systems and proposes a novel quantum-resilient framework for maintaining tamper-evident logging in 5G/6G networks. We examine post-quantum cryptographic solutions, including lattice-based algorithms, blockchain integration, and hybrid approaches combining traditional and quantum-safe mechanisms. Our framework addresses key challenges including forward security, crash recovery, and real-time performance requirements while maintaining compatibility with existing 5G/6G protocol stacks. Through theoretical analysis and performance evaluation, we demonstrate that quantum-resilient log integrity can be achieved without compromising network performance, providing a foundation for secure next-generation mobile communications.
As 5G networks mature and 6G technologies emerge, the integrity of log data becomes increasingly critical for network security, forensic analysis, and regulatory compliance. The advent of quantum computing poses unprecedented threats to current cryptographic mechanisms protecting log integrity in mobile network infrastructures. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of quantum threats to existing log integrity systems and proposes a novel quantum-resilient framework for maintaining tamper-evident logging in 5G/6G networks. We examine post-quantum cryptographic solutions, including lattice-based algorithms, blockchain integration, and hybrid approaches combining traditional and quantum-safe mechanisms. Our framework addresses key challenges including forward security, crash recovery, and real-time performance requirements while maintaining compatibility with existing 5G/6G protocol stacks. Through theoretical analysis and performance evaluation, we demonstrate that quantum-resilient log integrity can be achieved without compromising network performance, providing a foundation for secure next-generation mobile communications.
The rapid evolution of 5G and emerging 6G telecom networks introduces new security challenges due to the potential threat posed by quantum computing to conventional cryptographic algorithms. This study proposes a post-quantum cryptographic framework for protecting critical 5G and 6G telecom infrastructure against quantum-enabled attacks. The framework investigates quantum-resistant cryptographic mechanisms for secure key establishment, authentication, data confidentiality, and communication integrity. Performance is evaluated using key size, encryption and decryption time, computational overhead, latency, and throughput. The proposed approach aims to achieve a balance between quantum resistance and network efficiency, providing a scalable and resilient security solution for next-generation wireless communication environments.
The evolution of sixth-generation (6G) networks brings unprecedented demands for security, performance, and global interoperability. With the advent of scalable quantum computing, traditional cryptographic schemes such as RSA and ECC are increasingly vulnerable, making Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) essential pillars for securing future communication infrastructures. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the standardization, implementation, and evaluation of PQC and quantum communication protocols within the context of 6G networks. We examine algorithmic candidates endorsed by NIST, such as Kyber and Dilithium, and analyze their performance, entropy guarantees, and deployment feasibility across diverse 6G use cases. A four-stage implementation roadmap is proposed, covering cryptographic testing, hybrid protocol integration, quantum entropy provisioning, and lifecycle cryptographic agility. Our evaluation framework introduces metrics for quantum resilience, protocol interoperability, energy efficiency, and compliance with ETSI, ITU, and IEEE standards. The paper also highlights key technical challenges such as latency overheads, entropy synchronization, and cross-domain cryptographic translation and outlines open research directions for scalable, secure, and sustainable deployment. By aligning cryptographic innovation with international standardization, this work contributes toward building a quantum-resilient, interoperable, and future-proof 6G ecosystem. The key results include handshake latency, which is 95 ms, entropy quality is 96%, interoperability 90 and the compliance score is 92%.
As quantum computing continues to evolve, inherent limitations of classical cryptographic algorithms pose significant security risks to distributed systems, particularly those that handle sensitive log information. Existing encryption schemes used in distributed log storage such as RSA, ECC, and AES are vulnerable to future quantum attacks in the form of Shor's and Grover's algorithms. While post-quantum cryptographic algorithms have been studied in broader contexts in most research works, significant research gaps exist in their application and effectiveness in distributed log systems. For the most part, most of the literature has focused either on theoretical models or centralized systems without regard to the practical complexities and security concerns of decentralized log management in heterogeneous environments. This research study aims to fill the identified gap with quantum-resilient encryption techniques specifically designed for distributed log storage architectures. The framework presented in this work combines lattice-based cryptography, hash-based signatures, and code-based encryption to provide for the confidentiality, integrity, and forward secrecy of the log data, even against quantum-capable attackers. A hybrid approach is presented that combines classical encryption with quantum-safe primitives to enable phase-by-phase migration without affecting system performance or backward compatibility. Through simulation-based analysis performed across distributed nodes, this research demonstrates that the presented schemes maintain strong security guarantees while keeping the required computational overhead within reasonable limits. The system also incorporates key rotation, auditability, and tamper evidence mechanisms to further enhance compliance with changing standards of data governance. Through the focus on the specific requirements of distributed logging, this paper introduces a workable and scalable solution to protecting system logs from the impending threat of quantum-based attacks, thereby addressing an important but insufficiently explored topic in the context of cybersecurity.
The rise of 6G communication networks, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), promises a new era of connectivity with ultra-fast data speeds, intelligent applications, and seamless integration across a wide range of devices. However, the immense volume of sensitive data handled by these ultra-dense networks brings heightened concerns about privacy and security. Quantum cryptography, which leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, offers groundbreaking potential for securing communications; yet, the advent of quantum computing poses significant threats to traditional cryptographic systems. This challenge underscores the need for quantum-resilient cryptographic solutions. This review delves into the intersection of quantum-resilient cryptographic techniques and AI-driven 6G communication networks. It provides a detailed examination of existing quantum-resistant algorithms, evaluates their suitability in AI-enabled 6G systems, and highlights critical challenges and potential future directions. By addressing the pressing demand for secure and resilient communication frameworks, this study contributes to the development of 6G systems that can withstand the security threats posed by the quantum computing era.
In the dynamic landscape of telecommunications, the evolution towards 6G networks represents a significant leap forward in secure and efficient communication. In the context of 6G networks, where the demand for secure and efficient communication is paramount, the implications of quantum threats are profound. The vulnerabilities introduced by quantum computing can potentially render current cryptographic mechanisms obsolete, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data. Quantum computing’s unparalleled capabilities have the potential to render traditional cryptographic mechanisms obsolete, jeopardising data confidentiality and integrity. As we stand on the brink of the quantum era, collaborative efforts between the scientific community and industry become imperative to integrate quantum-safe solutions. This chapter focuses on security-preserving techniques in 6G networks, exploring proactive measures to safeguard data integrity and resilience in the face of evolving threats. Through a systematic examination of quantum-safe cryptography and other innovative security solutions, we aim to pave the way for a robust communication infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges of the quantum age.
Mobile communication networks are becoming more ubiquitous than ever and are rapidly evolving with increasing adoption beyond traditional services such as voice and data. With 5G and emerging 6G standards, wireless communication networks are expected to play a critical role in various domains including AI-enabled services, robotics, industrial automation, and human critical services. In this context, ensuring the security of mobile networks through a security-first design approach is paramount. Current classical cryptosystems in communication networks rely on asymmetric key cryptography, which is vulnerable to attacks by adversaries equipped with quantum computing capabilities. To address this, solutions such as Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms standardized by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and hybrid approaches combining traditional and PQC algorithms have been proposed. The integration of these solutions into future communication systems such as advanced 5G and 6G is crucial to safeguard against quantum threats. Let’s explore how such an integrated network architecture can be envisioned, the impact on various 3GPP (3rdGeneration Partnership Project) procedures that currently use asymmetric cryptography, the transition from hybrid to standalone approaches to replace them, and the key challenges and considerations that must be addressed during this adoption process.