Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity: Threat Dynamics, Defense Paradigms, and Architectural Resilience

Nachaat AbdElatif Mohamed, Hamed Taherdoost

The advent of quantum computing introduces fundamental challenges to contemporary cybersecurity, particularly by undermining the security assumptions of widely deployed cryptographic schemes. In parallel, the increasing sophistication, stealth, and adaptability of modern cyber threats expose the limitations of traditional, reactive security monitoring approaches. These developments motivate a shift toward defense strategies that are both quantum-resilient and intelligence-driven. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the convergence between post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and AI-driven threat hunting, focusing on the design and evolution of quantum-resilient defense frameworks. Rather than emphasizing empirical performance comparisons or speculative quantitative claims, the review adopts a concept-centric and analytically grounded perspective. It examines the foundational principles of post-quantum cryptography, the role of artificial intelligence in proactive threat hunting, and the emerging need to integrate cryptographic assurance with adaptive, learning-based security mechanisms. Existing architectural models, trust and risk abstractions, and formal security properties are analyzed to highlight how AI techniques can complement PQC by enabling continuous threat inference, contextual awareness, and adaptive response in post-quantum environments. The paper further synthesizes current research into a unified conceptual framework that captures the interaction between quantum-resistant cryptographic primitives and AI-based threat hunting processes. Key research gaps and open challenges are identified, including issues related to scalability, explainability, validation under future threat models, and the co-evolution of cryptographic and intelligent defense mechanisms. By consolidating fragmented research directions into a coherent analytical narrative, this review aims to serve as a foundational reference for future work on integrated, quantum-resilient cybersecurity architectures.

A Hasnim Malik, Sardar M. N. Islam

PROF.JABEEN TAJ MK

R, Rachita, Kumar, Manish, R, Rohini +2 more

This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing is reshaping modern cybersecurity. It examines emerging threats such as AI-driven attacks, deepfakes, automated vulnerability discovery, adversarial machine learning, and the future impact of quantum computers on classical cryptographic systems. The study evaluates NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptography algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium, FALCON, and SPHINCS+, comparing their performance, implementation challenges, and readiness for large-scale deployment. It also investigates AI-based threat detection models, organizational preparedness across sectors, and hybrid security architectures that combine classical and quantum-safe methods. The paper highlights urgency due to accelerating quantum hardware advancements and recommends strategic steps for organizations, vendors, policymakers, and researchers to transition toward quantum-resilient cybersecurity.

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.

Mr Ashish Uday Shivalkar, Miss Shreya Ashish Shivalkar, Miss Garima Joon +2 more