International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Ananya Paul
Abstract: Quantum computing represents one of the most profound technological shifts in modern computing, offering immense computational power that has the potential to disrupt existing security frameworks. Its ability to solve complex mathematical problems exponentially faster than classical systems poses a significant threat to current encryption standards widely used in cloud environments. Traditional cryptographic algorithms such as RSA, ECC, and AES, which form the backbone of cloud security, are vulnerable to quantum algorithms like Shor’s and Grover’s, capable of breaking or weakening encryption keys. This article explores the influence of quantum computing advancements on the future of cloud encryption models. It reviews the vulnerabilities of classical cryptographic methods under quantum conditions, examines emerging quantum-resistant and quantum-safe encryption approaches, and discusses their applicability to cloud infrastructure. The paper also highlights current research trends, the progress of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standardization, and the role of quantum key distribution (QKD) in achieving unbreakable communication. By evaluating both the risks and opportunities introduced by quantum computing, this study underscores the urgent need for organizations to adopt quantum-resilient encryption mechanisms. The paper concludes that while quantum computing introduces new challenges to data confidentiality, it also drives innovation toward developing next-generation cloud encryption frameworks that ensure long-term security in a post-quantum world.
