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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 10

Publication Date: October 25, 2024

DOI:10.14738/assrj.1110.17764.

Hasan, M. (2024). Quantum Cryptography for Secure Communications and the Enhancement of U.S. Cybersecurity in the Quantum

Age. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(10). 313-320.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Quantum Cryptography for Secure Communications and the

Enhancement of U.S. rCybersecurity in the Quantum Age

Mahmud Hasan

Department of Cybersecurity

ECPI University NV Newport News, VA, USA

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the critical role of quantum cryptography in enhancing U.S.

cybersecurity, focusing on its potential to counteract the growing threats posed by

quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, classical encryption methods

like RSA and AES face unprecedented vulnerabilities. Quantum Key Distribution

(QKD) offers a groundbreaking solution by leveraging quantum mechanics to

secure data transmission. The paper evaluates current implementations and future

challenges of quantum cryptography, emphasizing its importance for government,

military, financial, and healthcare sectors in safeguarding sensitive

communications in the quantum age.

Keywords: Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Post-Quantum

Cryptography, Quantum Computing Threats, U.S. Cybersecurity, Quantum Infrastructure,

Secure Communications, NIST, Financial Data Protection, Military Communications,

Quantum Security.

INTRODUCTION

Background on Cybersecurity in the U.S.

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for various sectors in the U.S., including government,

military, healthcare, and finance, where secure communications are essential [6] [9]. Currently,

encryption standards like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman

(RSA) help protect sensitive data [12]. However, the increasing sophistication of cyber threats,

such as state-sponsored attacks and data breaches, has exposed the limitations of these

encryption methods. The looming development of quantum computing poses a significant risk

to these standards, as quantum computers will eventually have the power to break classical

encryption, making it urgent to find new, robust encryption systems [1] [14].

Emerging Threat of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift from classical computing. While classical

computers process data in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits)

that can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to quantum superposition and

entanglement [4]. This unique capability enables quantum computers to perform complex

calculations exponentially faster than classical computers [16]. Shor's algorithm, for example,

can break the encryption algorithms that currently secure global communications, threatening

the foundations of digital security [15] [18]. The inevitability of such breakthroughs raises the

urgency to develop quantum-resistant encryption [10] [2].

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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 10, October-2024

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Purpose of the Paper

This paper introduces quantum cryptography, focusing on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), as

a viable solution to the cybersecurity risks presented by quantum computing [3]. QKD

leverages quantum mechanics to create secure communication channels that are theoretically

immune to quantum attacks [1] [5]. The goal is to assess the feasibility of QKD's large-scale

adoption across critical U.S. sectors and to explore its role in safeguarding communications

from future quantum-based threats [6] [17].

LITERATURE REVIEW

Quantum cryptography has gained significant attention due to its potential to protect

communications against the future threats of quantum computing. Researchers have focused

on developing technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to secure communication

networks. The BB84 protocol, introduced in 1984, was one of the earliest and most widely

studied QKD implementations, demonstrating its ability to successfully resist eavesdropping

attempts [16] [3].

In 1994, Shor’s algorithm revealed the vulnerabilities of classical cryptographic methods, such

as RSA and ECC, to quantum computing [10]. Since then, research has increasingly focused on

finding quantum-resistant encryption methods. The National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST) has been a major player in these efforts, emphasizing the importance of

post-quantum cryptography (PQC) alongside QKD. In 2024, NIST announced its first

standardized PQC algorithms, such as CRYSTALS-Kyber, designed to defend against quantum

threats [6] [20].

Furthermore, JPMorgan Chase, in collaboration with Toshiba, has demonstrated the use of QKD

in securing financial transactions, reflecting the growing interest in quantum cryptography in

both public and private sectors [12] [18].

However, the literature also identifies several challenges in implementing QKD, including the

limitations of long-distance communication and the lack of quantum-compatible infrastructure

[15] [9]. Public-private partnerships are often proposed to address the financial and logistical

demands of building quantum-secure infrastructure [16] [5].

Timeline of Key Milestones in Quantum Cryptography Research

Year Event

1984 BB84 protocol for Quantum Key Distribution introduced [3]

1994 Shor’s algorithm developed, threatening classical cryptography [10]

2024 NIST announces first post-quantum cryptography standards [6]

Satellite-based QKD also shows promise for extending secure communications over long

distances, potentially overcoming the range limitations of fiber-optic QKD systems.

International collaborations are playing a pivotal role in driving advancements in quantum

cryptography research and its application [19] [22].

In summary, the literature highlights both the advancements and the challenges in quantum

cryptography. As quantum computing continues to advance, integrating quantum cryptography