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Quantum-enabled framework for the Advanced Encryption Standard in the post-quantum era

Albert Nieto-Morales, Arit Kumar Bishwas, Joel Jacob Varghese

TL;DR

An improved version of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) that uses quantum technology to strengthen protection while adding three key defenses: quantum-powered key creation, adjustable security settings for different threats, and safeguards against attacks that exploit device vulnerabilities are presented.

Abstract

Quantum computers create new security risks for today's encryption systems. This paper presents an improved version of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) that uses quantum technology to strengthen protection. Our approach offers two modes: a fully quantum-based method for maximum security and a hybrid version that works with existing infrastructure. The system generates encryption keys using quantum randomness instead of predictable computer algorithms, making keys virtually impossible to guess. It regularly refreshes these keys automatically to block long-term attacks, even as technology advances. Testing confirms the system works seamlessly with current security standards, maintaining fast performance for high-volume data transfers. The upgraded AES keeps its original security benefits while adding three key defenses: quantum-powered key creation, adjustable security settings for different threats, and safeguards against attacks that exploit device vulnerabilities. Organizations can implement this solution in stages--starting with hybrid mode for sensitive data while keeping older systems operational. This phased approach allows businesses to protect financial transactions, medical records, and communication networks today while preparing for more powerful quantum computers in the future. The design prioritizes easy adoption, requiring no costly replacements of existing hardware or software in most cases.

Quantum-enabled framework for the Advanced Encryption Standard in the post-quantum era

TL;DR

An improved version of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) that uses quantum technology to strengthen protection while adding three key defenses: quantum-powered key creation, adjustable security settings for different threats, and safeguards against attacks that exploit device vulnerabilities are presented.

Abstract

Quantum computers create new security risks for today's encryption systems. This paper presents an improved version of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) that uses quantum technology to strengthen protection. Our approach offers two modes: a fully quantum-based method for maximum security and a hybrid version that works with existing infrastructure. The system generates encryption keys using quantum randomness instead of predictable computer algorithms, making keys virtually impossible to guess. It regularly refreshes these keys automatically to block long-term attacks, even as technology advances. Testing confirms the system works seamlessly with current security standards, maintaining fast performance for high-volume data transfers. The upgraded AES keeps its original security benefits while adding three key defenses: quantum-powered key creation, adjustable security settings for different threats, and safeguards against attacks that exploit device vulnerabilities. Organizations can implement this solution in stages--starting with hybrid mode for sensitive data while keeping older systems operational. This phased approach allows businesses to protect financial transactions, medical records, and communication networks today while preparing for more powerful quantum computers in the future. The design prioritizes easy adoption, requiring no costly replacements of existing hardware or software in most cases.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 25 sections, 16 equations, 3 figures, 7 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Motivation
  3. Problem statement
  4. Background
  5. Quantum computing
  6. Advanced encryption standard
  7. Post-quantum cryptography
  8. Random number generators
  9. Previous implementations
  10. Methodology
  11. Experimental setup
  12. Pure quantum randomness architecture
  13. Hybrid quantum-classical architecture
  14. Entropy management and validation
  15. Key lifecycle
  16. ...and 10 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Classical vs. quantum bit representation. Classical bits (left) are binary (0/1), while qubits (right) leverage superposition to exist in probabilistic states.
  • Figure 2: Overview of the AES encryption process. The secret key and plaintext undergo multiple rounds of substitution, permutation, and mixing to generate ciphertext. Secure key generation, reliant on high-entropy randomness, is critical to prevent brute-force attacks.
  • Figure 3: A photon source emits light particles toward a semi-transparent mirror, which randomly reflects or transmits each photon. Two detectors record the path taken by each photon, encoding reflections as '0' and transmissions as '1'. The sequence of detections generates a random bitstring derived from quantum-mechanical probabilities.