Call for Papers

As we transition from the era of traditional computing to the new era of quantum computing, numerous vital cybersecurity issues must be redefined. The majority of public-key cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and Elliptic Curve, become vulnerable to adversaries equipped with quantum technology, requiring a redesign of cryptographic systems. The goal of this special is- sue is to bring together advanced research on post-quantum security and quantum-enabled security. Post-quantum security involves entirely classical protocol design and implementation, without access to quantum capabilities. Conversely, quantum-enabled security allows defenders to leverage quantum technology to enhance communication security. Post-quantum security research should prioritize the design of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms seamlessly integrated with existing network protocols. Quantum-enabled security research addresses challenges in quantum key distribution and the development of quantum-resistant algorithms compatible with existing network protocols. In practice, protocol implementation often requires specialized and potentially expensive hardware, which comes with its own technical limitations. Quantum communication is also susceptible to high noise and losses, requiring the development of error-correction techniques for reliability. In summary, secure communication protocols for the quantum era require a multidisciplinary approach, considering both quantum and classical aspects of cryptography and network engineering.

This Special Issue provides a forum for presenting works that address crucial issues in designing unbreakable communication protocols for the quantum era. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Post-quantum cryptography: State-of-the-art techniques and future directions.
• A comparative study on the design of communication protocols resistant to quantum attacks for various applications.
• Secure multi-party computation using post-quantum cryptography.
• Quantum-safe key exchange protocols.
• Secure free-space and satellite quantum communications.
• Security issues in quantum communications at different layers.
• Security issues in ocean quantum communications.
• Code-based cryptography and its role in developing unbreakable communication protocols.
• Post-quantum secure message authentication codes and signature schemes.
• Reliable quantum communication channels: Error-correction techniques and other methods.
• Quantum-resistant blockchain and its role in developing unbreakable communication protocols.
• Quantum hacking: Potential vulnerabilities in quantum-based communication and their mitiga- tion strategies.
• Quantum-resistant hardware for secure quantum communication: Development of robust hardware-based security mechanisms to counter quantum attacks in communication.

Submission Guidelines

Prospective authors should submit their manuscripts following the IEEE JSAC guidelines. All papers should be submitted through EDAS according to the following schedule:

Important Dates

Manuscript Submissions: 15 July 2024
First Notification: 31 October 2024
Acceptance Notification: 31 December 2024
Final Manuscript Due: 31 January 2025
Publication Date: Second Quarter 2025

Guest Editors

David S.L. Wei
Fordham University, USA

Yuanyuan Yang
Stony Brook University, USA

Carlo Ottaviani
University of York, UK

Tao Zhang
NIST, USA

Kaiping Xue
University of Science and Technology of China, China

Lily (Lidong) Chen
NIST, USA

David Elkouss
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan