Integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution, and AI for Next-Generation Secure Communication
Raushan Kumar Mahaseth · 2025
Quantum computing threatens the foundational hardness assumptions of classical public-key cryptography. We propose a unified framework that combines: (i) NISTstandardized post-quantum cryptography (PQC), (ii) quantum key distribution (QKD) for information-theoretic key exchange, and (iii) AI-based anomaly detection for operational resilience, orchestrated by a reinforcement learning (RL) controller that adaptively selects among PQC, QKD, and hybrid modes. We contribute five algorithms/pseudocode blocks-PQC-Migrate, QKD+AI-Guard, RL-Channel, a QAOA outline, and a Quantum Kernel Classifier-and present illustrative experiments: a BB84style key distribution histogram, anomaly decision regions, an RL reward convergence curve, an end-to-end architecture, migration phases, and a kernel baseline on nonlinear data. We discuss current challenges (NISQ noise, crypto-agility, QKD footprint, side-channels, benchmarking integrity, governance, and global competition) with concrete mitigations.