Innovative Quantum Communication and Key Distribution Techniques for Secure and Scalable IoT or IoMT Systems

Abstract

Smart cities powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) promise improved urban efficiency and convenience but face significant challenges related to the security and privacy of data in inter connected networks. The growing frequency of cyberattacks emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance IoT security. This research addresses these challenges by exploring several quantum cryptography-based methods, including the integration of lattice-based cryptography with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of Cluster based QKD (CQIvD) with a Dynamic Node Selection protocol, and the application of quantum position-based cryptography for the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). newlineIn the context of smart cities, our approach leverages quantum steganography to protect sensitive data within quantum streams, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. This protocol combines quantum steganography, reversible decoding, customized encryption, and cryptographic verification to foster stakeholder trust and support the secure development of urban environments. Our hybrid model, merging lattice-based cryptography with QKD, addresses the vulnerability of traditional cryptographic methods to quantum computing attacks. Through Qiskit simulations and theoretical analysis, we demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in securing IoT communications against emerging quantum threats, with insights into practical implementation and scalability for future applications. newlineThe CQIvD protocol we propose introduces dynamic node selection, optimizes network utilization based on factors like distance, entanglement, and traffic, and enhances scalability and resilience against eavesdropping. Simulations reveal improvements in key generation rates, reduced error rates, and overall performance, underscoring the potential of CQKD for large-scale networks. In healthcare, we adopt quantum position-based cryptography for secure location verification in IoMT systems, protecting sensitive medical data.