Lightweight post-quantum cryptographic frameworks for real-time secure communications in IoT edge networks

The accelerating expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, alongside the looming advent of quantum computing, exposes fundamental vulnerabilities in current communication security models. Existing encryption protocols either impose unsustainable computational demands on constrained devices or lack resistance to quantum-based attacks. This paper introduces an innovative, lightweight cryptographic framework that leverages lattice-based techniques to secure real-time communications across IoT edge networks. Designed with an emphasis on low power consumption and minimal latency, the proposed framework adapts key management processes to meet the stringent resource limitations typical of edge devices. Analytical assessments and extensive simulation studies validate the efficiency and resilience of the approach, revealing marked improvements over traditional encryption methods in both security robustness and operational performance. By aligning with both immediate practical needs and future cybersecurity imperatives, this work advances the development of quantum-resilient IoT infrastructures capable of sustaining secure operations in evolving technological landscapes.