Current Volume 9
The emergence of quantum computing is expected to break many conventional cryptographic algorithms currently used for authentication and secure communication. Existing security mechanisms in Next Generation Networks (NGNs), including 5G, IoT, smart healthcare, and cloud-based systems, are increasingly vulnerable to future quantum attacks. This research presents a lightweight and efficient Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) based authentication framework specifically designed for next generation network environments. The proposed framework combines quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques with optimized authentication procedures to provide secure identity verification, confidential communication, and attack resistance with minimal computational complexity. The model emphasizes reduced overhead, faster authentication response, and scalability for resource-constrained devices. Security analysis shows that the framework can effectively defend against replay attacks, impersonation attacks, session hijacking, and quantum-based cryptanalytic threats. Experimental evaluation indicates that the proposed approach achieves improved security performance while maintaining low latency and reduced resource consumption, making it suitable for practical deployment in future intelligent communication networks.
Post-Quantum Cryptography, Authentication Framework, Quantum-Resistant Security, Next Generation Networks, IoT Security, Lattice-Based Cryptography.
IRE Journals:
Gauri Agarwal, Dr Gaurav Agarwal "Post-Quantum Cryptography Based Authentication Framework for Next Generation Networks" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 760-768 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718737
IEEE:
Gauri Agarwal, Dr Gaurav Agarwal
"Post-Quantum Cryptography Based Authentication Framework for Next Generation Networks" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718737