Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Frontiers in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Operationalizing Post-Quantum Cryptography in Multi-Cloud Environments

Syed Mohiuddin Qadri

Published May 15, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The emergence of quantum computing is a serious threat to traditional cryptographic algorithms, making it critical to transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). This work proposes a holistic conceptual and analytical framework for deploying PQC in multi-cloud environments where the complexity of different infrastructure, workloads and key management schemes pose significant security and efficiency problems. The proposed framework for crypto-agility follows a layered approach, with a cryptographic abstraction layer, a policy-based orchestration engine, a centralized hardware security module (HSM) management plane, and an ongoing monitoring module to facilitate a smooth transition from classical to hybrid and fully quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. He researches identifies and critically analyzes major challenges in deploying PQC technologies in multi-cloud environments, such as inter-cloud interoperability, computational complexity, latency, key management, and regulatory and compliance considerations. The framework tackles these challenges by incorporating hybrid cryptographic protocols that blend classic cryptographic algorithms with NIST-approved PQC algorithms, namely ML-KEM (FIPS 203) and ML-DSA (FIPS 204), to maintain backward compatibility and increase security against quantum-powered adversaries. Moreover, the framework proposes dynamic policy-driven algorithm selection to implement context-sensitive cryptographic enforcement based on sensitivity labels, security threats, and regulatory considerations. An experimental framework is proposed to assess the efficiency and scalability of PQC algorithms deployed in a multi-cloud environment, including metrics such as CPU usage, memory usage, latency and throughput with different workloads. Although this research is conceptual, it draws on previous benchmarking to discuss the securityperformance trade-offs associated with PQC. The results highlight the need for centralized trust anchors, crypto-agility and hybrid deployment models to address risks from cryptographic diversity and ensure the sustainability of security operations. This study advances the research on quantum-safe cloud security by offering a systematic, scalable and policy-oriented framework for PQC deployment. It provides practical guidance for businesses, cloud architects, and security professionals on how to safeguard against quantum vulnerabilities and ensure efficient operations in distributed systems by implementing quantum-safe cryptographic infrastructures.

DOI
10.32996/jcsts.2026.5.7.2

Related papers

Quantum-Resilient Cryptographic Frameworks for Post-Quantum Cloud and Edge Computing

Aswathy P S

The rapid advancement of quantum computing introduces unprecedented security threats to modern cloud and edge computing infrastructures. Classical public-key cryptographic algorithms such as RSA, Diffie–Hellman, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are fundamentally vulnerable to quantum attacks enabled by Shor’s algorithm. As a result, the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data stored and processed in distributed systems are at serious risk.Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) aims to develop cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to both classical and quantum adversaries. This paper presents a comprehensive quantum-resilient cryptographic framework designed specifically for post-quantum cloud and edge computing environments. The framework integrates post-quantum cryptographic primitives, hybrid cryptographic approaches, crypto-agile architectures, and secure key management mechanisms. The proposed framework addresses performance constraints, scalability requirements, and deployment challenges in heterogeneous environments. A detailed discussion of security threats, architectural components, performance considerations, and future research directions is provided. The proposed approach enables longterm security and supports a smooth transition toward quantum-safe distributed computing systems.

•Feb 12, 2026•0 citations

Designing Quantum-Resilient Data Encryption Protocols for Securing Multi-Cloud Architectures in Critical Infrastructure Networks

Christianah Gbaja

As quantum computing evolves from theoretical promise to emerging reality, the urgency to develop quantum-resilient data protection mechanisms becomes increasingly paramount-particularly within critical infrastructure systems dependent on multi-cloud architectures.This study explores the design and deployment of quantum-resilient encryption protocols tailored to secure sensitive data flows across heterogeneous and decentralized cloud environments supporting energy, transportation, defense, and healthcare infrastructures.Beginning from a broader analysis of cryptographic vulnerabilities posed by quantum adversaries-especially those exploiting Shor's and Grover's algorithms-the paper highlights the limitations of current asymmetric key systems and symmetric encryption practices in multi-cloud data orchestration.Building on this foundation, the research narrows in on post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) frameworks, including lattice-based, code-based, and multivariate polynomial schemes, evaluating their performance and adaptability for dynamic cloud-native systems.A key focus is placed on designing lightweight, interoperable encryption protocols that can seamlessly integrate with federated identity management, zero-trust security models, and real-time data streams without introducing prohibitive latency or computational burden.The study also presents an architectural model that allows for real-time key negotiation, distributed trust management, and algorithm agility, ensuring compliance with both current and forward-looking regulatory standards (e.g., NIST PQC guidelines).Simulation and benchmarking conducted across hybrid cloud environments demonstrate that carefully optimized quantum-resilient protocols can be implemented without compromising system availability or scalability.The results validate the feasibility of transitioning from conventional cryptography to quantum-safe models in mission-critical multi-cloud operations.The paper concludes by offering a strategic roadmap for organizations seeking to future-proof their cloud infrastructures against quantum-era threats.

International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews•Apr 1, 2025•4 citations

ADAPTIVE POST-QUANTUM ZERO TRUST FRAMEWORK FOR CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE: A POLICY-BASED CRYPTO-AGILITY MODEL AND BENCHMARK-DRIVEN PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Ali Rasool Bakhsh

The emergence of quantum computing poses a significant threat to the cryptographic foundations that secure modern cloud infrastructures. Existing deployments of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) are largely built on classical cryptographic techniques such as the RSA algorithm and elliptic curve cryptography, which are vulnerable to future quantum attacks. Moreover, current studies offer limited guidance on how PQC can be integrated into cloud-native Zero Trust environments while guaranteeing operational efficiency and addressing adaptive security needs. The present study introduces an Adaptive Post Quantum Zero Trust (Adaptive PQC-ZT) Framework by combining the NIST recommended post quantum cryptographic algorithms with a policy based Crypto-Agility Engine for algorithm dynamic selection based upon Security Sensitivity, Algorithm Characteristics, and Latency. The framework was evaluated using a publicly available PQC benchmark dataset containing 37,004 key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) records and 71,456 digital signature records. The analysis examined latency, communication overhead, security levels, and workload suitability for ML-KEM and ML-DSA algorithm families across representative cloud deployment scenarios. The results demonstrate that ML-KEM algorithms provide quantum-resistant key establishment with sub-millisecond latency, while ML-DSA algorithms significantly outperform SPHINCS+ variants in execution efficiency and communication overhead. The proposed Crypto-Agility Engine helps match cryptographic configuration with the needs of different workloads. This allows web applications to run with low latency, while also giving stronger protection to high-security systems such as financial databases. The proposed framework contributes a unified cloud-native security model that blends Zero Trust principles, post-quantum cryptography, benchmark-driven evaluation, and adaptive crypto-agility. This shows practical migration to quantum-safe cloud infrastructures can be done with manageable performance hits. Organizations get a solid path to boost their long-term defense against future quantum threats.

International Journal of Network Security & Its Applications•Sep 28, 2026•0 citations

Migration Strategies from Traditional Cryptography to Post-Quantum Cryptography in Cloud Systems

S Divya, R. Bagavathi Lakshmi

Cloud systems urgently need to switch to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) since the majority of traditional cryptographic algorithms will become vulnerable due to the looming danger of quantum computing. The methodical approaches for switching from conventional cryptography (such as RSA and ECC) to PQC algorithms established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are examined in this study. We look at performance bottlenecks, cloud-native issues, migration phases customized for service-oriented architectures, hybrid deployment models that blend classical and quantum-resilient algorithms, and backward compatibility techniques. The trade-offs between security and performance are demonstrated through experimental research in a cloud setting, with a focus on protocol support, adaptive key management, and incremental migration. Our research aims to help security engineers and cloud architects implement PQC in practice while preserving scalability, compliance, and service quality.

Shanlax International Journal of Arts Science and Humanities•Feb 27, 2026•0 citations

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography in Cloud-Based Fintech Solutions

Arooj Hassan, Malik Arfat Hassan, Muhammad Ahsan Khan

The advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to classical cryptographic algorithms that underpin security in cloud-based financial technologies (Fintech). As quantum computers gain computational superiority, traditional encryption schemes such as RSA and ECC are becoming increasingly vulnerable to quantum attacks, necessitating a paradigm shift toward quantum-resistant cryptography. This study investigates the integration of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) frameworks within cloud-based Fintech architectures to ensure data confidentiality, transaction integrity, and regulatory compliance in a post-quantum era. The research evaluates lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptosystems in terms of performance efficiency, scalability, and interoperability with existing cloud infrastructures. Using simulated Fintech transaction datasets, the study benchmarks cryptographic resilience and latency overheads in multi-cloud environments. The findings highlight that lattice-based schemes, particularly CRYSTALS-Kyber and Dilithium, offer a promising balance between computational feasibility and robust security against quantum adversaries. The paper concludes with recommendations for hybrid encryption deployment strategies and policy-level frameworks to facilitate the transition to quantum-resistant Fintech ecosystems.

Aminu Kano Academic Scholars Association Multidisciplinary Journal•Sep 7, 2025•1 citation

A LAYERED QUANTUM-SAFE SECURITY FRAMEWORK IN HYBRID CLOUD: AN EVALUATION OF FULLY HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION AND POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY

Hidam Rameshwar Singh, Dr. Raghavaendra Nayaka P

The modern computing enterprises rely more on hybrid and -cloud environments, but their reliance on classical cryptography makes the environment vulnerable to quantum threats. The common RSA/ECC are now easily compromised using Shor’s algorithm while Grover’s algorithm reduces the effectiveness of AES security to almost half, making the distributed systems susceptible to potential security attacks. This paper brings out the recent trends in research on multi-cloud security strategies, the impact of quantum algorithms, the deployment framework of post quantum cryptography (PQC), Quantum key Distribution (QKD), simulation toolkits for quantum cloud environment. We proposed a Hybrid Post-Quantum Encryption Framework (HyPQEF), a layered quantum-safe framework by integrating PQC and Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) with Zero-Trust architecture. The proposed work focused on the interoperability of the framework in the distributed cloud environment, performance trade-offs, by offering security hybrid cloud infrastructure against cryptographically relevant quantum threats.

Transformative Education A Multidisciplinary Journal•Sep 1, 2026•0 citations
The emergence of quantum computing is a serious threat to traditional cryptographic algorithms, making it critical to transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). This work proposes a holistic conceptual and analytical framework for deploying PQC in multi-cloud environments where the complexity of different infrastructure, workloads and key management schemes pose significant security and efficiency problems. The proposed framework for crypto-agility follows a layered approach, with a cryptographic abstraction layer, a policy-based orchestration engine, a centralized hardware security module (HSM) management plane, and an ongoing monitoring module to facilitate a smooth transition from classical to hybrid and fully quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. He researches identifies and critically analyzes major challenges in deploying PQC technologies in multi-cloud environments, such as inter-cloud interoperability, computational complexity, latency, key management, and regulatory and compliance considerations. The framework tackles these challenges by incorporating hybrid cryptographic protocols that blend classic cryptographic algorithms with NIST-approved PQC algorithms, namely ML-KEM (FIPS 203) and ML-DSA (FIPS 204), to maintain backward compatibility and increase security against quantum-powered adversaries. Moreover, the framework proposes dynamic policy-driven algorithm selection to implement context-sensitive cryptographic enforcement based on sensitivity labels, security threats, and regulatory considerations. An experimental framework is proposed to assess the efficiency and scalability of PQC algorithms deployed in a multi-cloud environment, including metrics such as CPU usage, memory usage, latency and throughput with different workloads. Although this research is conceptual, it draws on previous benchmarking to discuss the securityperformance trade-offs associated with PQC. The results highlight the need for centralized trust anchors, crypto-agility and hybrid deployment models to address risks from cryptographic diversity and ensure the sustainability of security operations. This study advances the research on quantum-safe cloud security by offering a systematic, scalable and policy-oriented framework for PQC deployment. It provides practical guidance for businesses, cloud architects, and security professionals on how to safeguard against quantum vulnerabilities and ensure efficient operations in distributed systems by implementing quantum-safe cryptographic infrastructures.
The rapid advancement of quantum computing introduces unprecedented security threats to modern cloud and edge computing infrastructures. Classical public-key cryptographic algorithms such as RSA, Diffie–Hellman, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are fundamentally vulnerable to quantum attacks enabled by Shor’s algorithm. As a result, the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data stored and processed in distributed systems are at serious risk.Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) aims to develop cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to both classical and quantum adversaries. This paper presents a comprehensive quantum-resilient cryptographic framework designed specifically for post-quantum cloud and edge computing environments. The framework integrates post-quantum cryptographic primitives, hybrid cryptographic approaches, crypto-agile architectures, and secure key management mechanisms. The proposed framework addresses performance constraints, scalability requirements, and deployment challenges in heterogeneous environments. A detailed discussion of security threats, architectural components, performance considerations, and future research directions is provided. The proposed approach enables longterm security and supports a smooth transition toward quantum-safe distributed computing systems.
As quantum computing evolves from theoretical promise to emerging reality, the urgency to develop quantum-resilient data protection mechanisms becomes increasingly paramount-particularly within critical infrastructure systems dependent on multi-cloud architectures.This study explores the design and deployment of quantum-resilient encryption protocols tailored to secure sensitive data flows across heterogeneous and decentralized cloud environments supporting energy, transportation, defense, and healthcare infrastructures.Beginning from a broader analysis of cryptographic vulnerabilities posed by quantum adversaries-especially those exploiting Shor's and Grover's algorithms-the paper highlights the limitations of current asymmetric key systems and symmetric encryption practices in multi-cloud data orchestration.Building on this foundation, the research narrows in on post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) frameworks, including lattice-based, code-based, and multivariate polynomial schemes, evaluating their performance and adaptability for dynamic cloud-native systems.A key focus is placed on designing lightweight, interoperable encryption protocols that can seamlessly integrate with federated identity management, zero-trust security models, and real-time data streams without introducing prohibitive latency or computational burden.The study also presents an architectural model that allows for real-time key negotiation, distributed trust management, and algorithm agility, ensuring compliance with both current and forward-looking regulatory standards (e.g., NIST PQC guidelines).Simulation and benchmarking conducted across hybrid cloud environments demonstrate that carefully optimized quantum-resilient protocols can be implemented without compromising system availability or scalability.The results validate the feasibility of transitioning from conventional cryptography to quantum-safe models in mission-critical multi-cloud operations.The paper concludes by offering a strategic roadmap for organizations seeking to future-proof their cloud infrastructures against quantum-era threats.
The emergence of quantum computing poses a significant threat to the cryptographic foundations that secure modern cloud infrastructures. Existing deployments of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) are largely built on classical cryptographic techniques such as the RSA algorithm and elliptic curve cryptography, which are vulnerable to future quantum attacks. Moreover, current studies offer limited guidance on how PQC can be integrated into cloud-native Zero Trust environments while guaranteeing operational efficiency and addressing adaptive security needs. The present study introduces an Adaptive Post Quantum Zero Trust (Adaptive PQC-ZT) Framework by combining the NIST recommended post quantum cryptographic algorithms with a policy based Crypto-Agility Engine for algorithm dynamic selection based upon Security Sensitivity, Algorithm Characteristics, and Latency. The framework was evaluated using a publicly available PQC benchmark dataset containing 37,004 key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) records and 71,456 digital signature records. The analysis examined latency, communication overhead, security levels, and workload suitability for ML-KEM and ML-DSA algorithm families across representative cloud deployment scenarios. The results demonstrate that ML-KEM algorithms provide quantum-resistant key establishment with sub-millisecond latency, while ML-DSA algorithms significantly outperform SPHINCS+ variants in execution efficiency and communication overhead. The proposed Crypto-Agility Engine helps match cryptographic configuration with the needs of different workloads. This allows web applications to run with low latency, while also giving stronger protection to high-security systems such as financial databases. The proposed framework contributes a unified cloud-native security model that blends Zero Trust principles, post-quantum cryptography, benchmark-driven evaluation, and adaptive crypto-agility. This shows practical migration to quantum-safe cloud infrastructures can be done with manageable performance hits. Organizations get a solid path to boost their long-term defense against future quantum threats.
Cloud systems urgently need to switch to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) since the majority of traditional cryptographic algorithms will become vulnerable due to the looming danger of quantum computing. The methodical approaches for switching from conventional cryptography (such as RSA and ECC) to PQC algorithms established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are examined in this study. We look at performance bottlenecks, cloud-native issues, migration phases customized for service-oriented architectures, hybrid deployment models that blend classical and quantum-resilient algorithms, and backward compatibility techniques. The trade-offs between security and performance are demonstrated through experimental research in a cloud setting, with a focus on protocol support, adaptive key management, and incremental migration. Our research aims to help security engineers and cloud architects implement PQC in practice while preserving scalability, compliance, and service quality.
The advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to classical cryptographic algorithms that underpin security in cloud-based financial technologies (Fintech). As quantum computers gain computational superiority, traditional encryption schemes such as RSA and ECC are becoming increasingly vulnerable to quantum attacks, necessitating a paradigm shift toward quantum-resistant cryptography. This study investigates the integration of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) frameworks within cloud-based Fintech architectures to ensure data confidentiality, transaction integrity, and regulatory compliance in a post-quantum era. The research evaluates lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptosystems in terms of performance efficiency, scalability, and interoperability with existing cloud infrastructures. Using simulated Fintech transaction datasets, the study benchmarks cryptographic resilience and latency overheads in multi-cloud environments. The findings highlight that lattice-based schemes, particularly CRYSTALS-Kyber and Dilithium, offer a promising balance between computational feasibility and robust security against quantum adversaries. The paper concludes with recommendations for hybrid encryption deployment strategies and policy-level frameworks to facilitate the transition to quantum-resistant Fintech ecosystems.
The modern computing enterprises rely more on hybrid and -cloud environments, but their reliance on classical cryptography makes the environment vulnerable to quantum threats. The common RSA/ECC are now easily compromised using Shor’s algorithm while Grover’s algorithm reduces the effectiveness of AES security to almost half, making the distributed systems susceptible to potential security attacks. This paper brings out the recent trends in research on multi-cloud security strategies, the impact of quantum algorithms, the deployment framework of post quantum cryptography (PQC), Quantum key Distribution (QKD), simulation toolkits for quantum cloud environment. We proposed a Hybrid Post-Quantum Encryption Framework (HyPQEF), a layered quantum-safe framework by integrating PQC and Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) with Zero-Trust architecture. The proposed work focused on the interoperability of the framework in the distributed cloud environment, performance trade-offs, by offering security hybrid cloud infrastructure against cryptographically relevant quantum threats.