Post-Quantum Cryptography for Cloud-IoT Security: Architectural Frameworks, Challenges, and Future Directions for Quantum Resilient Data Protection

Abstract

The convergence of Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of intelligent and interconnected systems. However, this integration also introduces significant security vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of advancing quantum computing technologies that threaten the cryptographic foundations of current cloud-IoT ecosystems. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) has emerged as a promising solution capable of resisting attacks from both classical and quantum computers. This paper explores the role of PQC in securing cloud-IoT infrastructures, discussing its architectural design, implementation models, challenges, and future prospects. Furthermore, it examines hybrid encryption models, quantum-resistant key management mechanisms, and real-time data protection strategies tailored for resource constrained IoT devices.

KEYWORDS: Post-Quantum Cryptography, Cloud-IoT Security, Quantum Computing, Hybrid Encryption, Key Management, Lattice-Based Cryptography, Data Privacy