Quantum-Resilient Cryptography for Next-Generation Networks: A Survey of Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptographic Frameworks

Abstract

The widely-used classical encryption algorithms, such as RSA and ECC, are under grave danger from the rapidly expanding capabilities of quantum computers, which will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the present cryptography framework. Due to their superior performance in handling issues like integer factorisation and discrete logarithms, quantum algorithms like the Shor and Grover algorithms can be employed to intercept conventional public-key cryptography methods. At the same time, the exponential growth of connected devices-anticipated to surpass 80 billion by 2028-is being propelled by the lightning-fast adoption of next-generation communication technologies. Researchers have proposed various quantum-safe security solutions to address these emerging risks; two prominent ones are Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Theoretically secure key exchange and eavesdropping activity detection are both made possible by QKD, which is based on fundamental aspects of quantum physics such as the lack of a universally accepted definition of states (superposition) and the entanglement (entanglement) of two systems. This overview offers a concise review of Post-Quantum Cryptographic Frameworks and Quantum Key Distribution. By bringing together existing models with open research questions, this study lays a solid groundwork for future communication networks to employ scalable, interoperable, and quantum-resilient security protocols.