The rapid progress of quantum technologies is reshaping the foundations of secure communication. On one hand, quantum cryptography leverages core principles of quantum mechanics - such as measurement disturbance and the no-cloning theorem - to enable security primitives like quantum key distribution (QKD). On the other hand, the anticipated availability of large-scale quantum computers threatens widely deployed public-key cryptosystems, driving urgent development and deployment of post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

While QKD offers information-theoretic security for key exchange under well-defined assumptions, and PQC provides quantum-resistant alternatives for classical infrastructures, both approaches face practical challenges: implementation security, parameter selection, performance overhead, large key sizes, and - critically - the generation and management of high-entropy cryptographic key material. Bridging theoretical guarantees with deployable systems remains an open and fast-moving area.

This Research Topic aims to advance cryptographic security in the quantum era by bringing together research on (i) quantum cryptographic protocols and quantum-secure communication, and (ii) post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, key generation, and optimization strategies that enable scalable, robust, real-world deployment. We welcome contributions that strengthen security against both classical and quantum adversaries and that clarify security–performance trade-offs in modern systems.

Scope (including but not limited to)

o Quantum cryptography and QKD protocols, architectures, and implementation security
o Security in quantum communication networks, including adversarial models and trust assumptions
o Design, analysis, and implementation of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (KEMs, signatures, hybrid schemes)
o Key generation and key management: entropy, randomness extraction, bias detection, secure key storage and lifecycle
o Parameter selection, key-size reduction, and computational optimization for PQC and quantum-secure systems
o Formal methods, proof frameworks, security reductions, and robustness under evolving threat models
o Side-channel resistance and implementation-hardening for both QKD systems and PQC implementations
o Deployment and migration: interoperability, benchmarking, integration into existing protocols and infrastructures

Impact

Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology

Quantum Communication