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
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
This study provides a comprehensive review of quantum cryptography and its implications for U.S. national security in the face of emerging quantum technologies. The primary objective is to investigate the potential of quantum cryptographic methods in creating unbreakable encryption and their future role in enhancing digital security. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the study draws on recent peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and academic journals from 2013 to 2023. The methodology focuses on evaluating the evolution, current state, and challenges of quantum cryptography, along with its integration into existing security frameworks. Key findings reveal that Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) offer promising solutions against the threats posed by quantum computing to classical encryption methods. However, the practical implementation of these technologies faces significant challenges, including technological limitations and the need for global standardization. The study underscores the urgency for U.S. national security policy to prioritize the development and integration of quantum-resistant cryptographic technologies and to foster international collaboration for standardization. Finally, the study highlights the transformative potential of quantum cryptography in digital security, emphasizing the need for continued research and collaboration to overcome implementation challenges. Future research directions include the development of efficient quantum cryptographic protocols and ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of quantum technologies. This study contributes to the discourse on securing national interests in the face of advancing quantum computing capabilities. Keywords: Quantum Cryptography, Digital Security, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution.
The rapid growth of quantum computing poses a critical threat to classical cryptographic systems. That is due in large part to the fact that they represent efficient solutions for some of the most challenging mathematical problems such as integer factoring or finding discrete logarithms. Schemes currently in wide use including RSA, Diffie–Hellman, and elliptic curve cryptography are particularly susceptible to being attacked by quantum computers, using algorithms like Shor's Algorithm and Grover's Algorithm. The advent of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) provides a promising potential answer to providing longterm security from adversaries using quantum computing capabilities. This paper presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of various PQC techniques currently being researched, including lattice-based methods, code-based methods, multivariate methods, hash-based methods, and isogeny-based methods. key challenges that will need to be addressed include computational overhead, large key sizes and implementation complexity. Furthermore the study reviews the current standardization efforts by the National Institute of Standards and Technology related to PQC and discusses some of the very specific practical considerations that need to be considered before widely deploying these techniques. The paper concludes by a complete list of existing research challenges and proposed future work that will assist in the development of efficient and scalable systems that will resist attacks from quantum computers.
As quantum computing advances toward practical use, classical cryptography is at a serious risk of being compromised, especially with the use of quantum algorithms like the Shor algorithm, which can break RSA in polynomial time, as well as Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). This research paper highlights the urgent need to protect electronic communications against quantum attacks by leveraging two novel approaches: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, scalability, and integration possibility of these technologies separately and in mixed combinations, to achieve long-term resilient cybersecurity. This research is a mixed-methods study that combines literature analysis, expert surveys, and performance benchmarking to determine the strength of encryption, compatibility with the network, and feasibility in the real world. First-hand information was gathered through structured surveys among cybersecurity professionals and scholars. In contrast, second-hand information was retrieved from peer-reviewed journals and official standards of institutions, such as NIST. It has been found that QKD offers unparalleled information-theoretic security, founded on quantum mechanics, yet has limitations in terms of scale and cost. PQC algorithms, however, especially lattice-based cryptography, are simpler to integrate into a classical infrastructure but present a performance issue on hardware with limited capabilities. Based on the study, a hybridized cryptographic model appears to be the best solution to the current approach of implementing the secure key exchange properties of QKD and the universal properties of PQC, without compromising either.
The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to classical cryptographic systems that rely on the computational hardness of mathematical problems such as integer factorization and discrete logarithm problems. In this context, quantum cryptography has emerged as a promising paradigm for secure communication based on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics rather than on computational assumptions. This paper presents a comprehensive review of quantum cryptography, with a particular focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the most mature application. The study discusses the theoretical foundations of quantum security, including superposition, entanglement, and the No-cloning theorem, which collectively enable eavesdropping detection and guarantee information-theoretic security. Furthermore, the review examines major QKD protocols, such as BB84 and E91, as well as their advanced variants designed to address practical vulnerabilities and enhance performance. Recent progress in real-world implementations, including fiber-optic networks, free-space communication, and satellite-based systems such as the Micius satellite, is also analyzed. In addition, the paper highlights critical challenges related to scalability, hardware limitations, and security loopholes arising from imperfect devices. Finally, emerging research directions, including hybrid cryptographic frameworks that integrate quantum and post-quantum approaches, are discussed to provide insights into the future of secure communication. This review aims to provide a structured, up-to-date understanding of quantum cryptography, bridging the gap between theoretical developments and practical implementations, and emphasizing its crucial role in shaping next-generation cybersecurity systems.
Using a systematic literature review methodology comprising the following stages: Identification of Relevant Literature, Screening and Selection, Data Extraction and Synthesis, Qualitative Analysis, and SWOT Analysis, this paper explores the role of quantum cryptography in enhancing cybersecurity. The analysis begins with an introduction to the vulnerabilities of classical cryptography in the context of quantum computing advancements. It delves into Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols such as BB84 and E91, Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), and post-quantum cryptography algorithms in detail. Real-world case studies are presented to illustrate the practical applications and advancements in quantum cryptographic techniques. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges associated with implementing quantum cryptography and proposes strategies for its integration with existing cybersecurity frameworks. The discussion on future trends highlights anticipated technological advancements, potential applications in quantum internet and blockchain security, suggested research directions, and policy implications. The significance of quantum cryptography in securing sensitive data and establishing trust in critical sectors is thoroughly emphasized.
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