A hybrid quantum authentication model (HQAM) with QRNG enhanced protection
Maria Belkhir, Haroun Benkaouha, Elhadj Benkhelifa · International Journal of Information Security · 2026
The emergence of quantum computing threatens to break widely deployed cryptographic primitives, compromising conventional authentication systems. Our work introduces a Hybrid Quantum Authentication Model (HQAM) that harnesses quantum technologies to enhance security without requiring quantum communication infrastructure. HQAM strategically integrates quantum entropy from Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) across critical security components including digital fingerprints, dynamic nonces, and cryptographic keys while employing post-quantum cryptography as its primary configuration. The framework utilizes NIST-standardized algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium) for quantum-resistant assurance while maintaining RSA for legacy compatibility. Formal verification using ProVerif demonstrates HQAM’s resilience against impersonation and replay attacks, while additional mechanisms enable secure credential recovery. By combining certified quantum randomness with standardized post-quantum cryptography, HQAM provides a formally verified crypto-agile framework that ensures a robust authentication in both current and quantum-threatened environments.