QSTMF: Quantum-Secured Trust Management Framework for VANETs in Web 3.0 and Metaverse
Kamran Ahmad Awan, Ikram Ud Din, Ahmad Almogren, Joel J. P. C. Rodrigues · ACM Transactions on Autonomous and Adaptive Systems · 2025
Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) need a reliable communication structure which enables the complete evolution of transportation systems. Our proposed trust management strategy implements Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and blockchain technology for solving CAV network security and coherence problems. The system applies QKD to produce unbreakable quantum keys which defend vehicle communication networks and blockchain systems strengthen governing networks by decentralizing operations and ensuring transparency and credibility. This framework employs QKD together with blockchain technology through a structure that demonstrates adaptability to changing networking conditions and cyber dangers within CAV environments. The independent operational mindset allows for automatic security rule updates that result in steady improvements to the encryption standards and system protocols. The framework demonstrates its functionality through simulations performed on multiple traffic conditions featuring different speeds together with density levels. The analysis included evaluation of energy efficiency together with overhead ratio performance as well as QKD success rates and blockchain verification duration. The testing results demonstrate that this system performs effectively under different operational scenarios while demonstrating strong defense capabilities against Sybil and Wormhole security attacks. Under dense traffic scenarios, Quantum-Secured Trust Management Framework (QSTMF) delivered improved network throughput reaching 15% above current models while high-speed traffic circumstances led to 20% diminished blockchain verification times. Attack detection rate performance of the framework exceeded 90% throughout multiple attack simulations indicating its robust capabilities for vehicle communication protection.