Quantum Cryptography: The Future of Data Security in Smart Urban Environments

Title

Quantum Cryptography: The Future of Data Security in Smart Urban Environments

Creator

Pareek, Nakul; Saini, Neha

Description

As cities adopt integrated IoT ecosystems and data-driven urban governance, traditional encryption faces the threat of obsolescence by quantum computing attacks. This chapter explores the application of quantum cryptography in protecting smart urban infrastructure, with a focus on quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum algorithms, and hybrid systems. Through an examination of deployments in smart grids, traffic management systems, and public health platforms, we illustrate how quantum-resistant protocols reduce threats of data breaches and spoofing attacks. There are special challenges: scaling QKD to millions of IoT devices will need new network architectures, and integrating with legacy systems will need phased "crypto-agility" plans. The chapter presents a model for incorporating quantum-safe practice into urban design, with an emphasis on inter-disciplinary collaboration among cryptographers, policymakers, and city administrators. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.

Source

Securing Smart Cities Through Modern Cryptography Technologies;pp.191-224

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

IGI Global

Coverage

Pareek N., Christ University, Delhi, India; Saini N., Christ University, Delhi, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISBN: 979-833733328-1; 979-833733326-7;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Book chapter

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-3326-7.ch007

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105026208700?origin=resultslist