A Comparative Analysis of Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Algorithms for Next-Generation Communication Network Security
Keywords:
Cryptographic algorithms, secure communication networks, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), hash-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, lattice-based cryptography, multivariate cryptography, and isogeny-based cryptography are all terms that come up while discussing this topicAbstract
Traditional cryptography techniques, including RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman key exchange, face a formidable threat from
the rise of quantum computing. It is critical to create cryptographic methods that can resist quantum attacks since some
algorithms, like Shor's algorithm, might crack certain encryption systems. An important new field of study, post-quantum
cryptography (PQC) seeks to develop cryptographic systems that can withstand quantum attacks. The paper compares
and contrasts five main types of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms: those based on lattices, codes, hashes,
multivariate polynomials, and isogeny. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these methods that pertain to
security, efficiency, and how feasible they are to apply. A strong contender for standardization, lattice-based encryption
has attracted a lot of interest owing to its efficient computation and good security features. However, code-based
cryptography's enormous key sizes make it impractical for widespread use, despite the fact that it offers great security. A
real-time performance evaluation of chosen PQC algorithms is a part of the study. Important aspects including computing
needs, key size, and encryption speed are examined. The paper goes on to look at the compatibility restrictions,
computational complexity, and need for worldwide standardization that come with moving from classical encryption
standards to quantum-resistant frameworks. Hybrid cryptographic algorithms that combine conventional and postquantum encryption models are being investigated as potential mitigating options. Our research shows that PQC
frameworks must be implemented quickly to ensure the security of future communication networks, even while
quantum-resistant cryptography is in its early stages of development. If academics, cybersecurity experts, and lawmakers
want to know how to strategically adopt quantum-secure encryption systems, this article is a great place to start.
