Frequency : 12 issues per year
Subject : Computer Applications and Technology
ISSN : 2319–8656 (Online)
IJCATR Volume 14 Issue 3
Post Quantum Cryptography in Healthcare: Future-Proofing Electronic Health Records Against Quantum Computing Threats and Cyber Attacks
Babatunde O. Owolabi
10.7753/IJCATR1403.1008
keywords : Post-Quantum Cryptography; Electronic Health Records; Quantum Computing; Cybersecurity; Healthcare Data Protection; Quantum-Resistant Encryption
The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to current cryptographic standards, particularly those securing electronic health records (EHRs) in healthcare systems. Traditional encryption methods such as RSA, ECC, and AES, while robust against classical attacks, are vulnerable to quantum algorithms like Shor’s and Grover’s, which can efficiently break cryptographic keys and compromise patient data integrity. As healthcare systems become increasingly interconnected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based infrastructures, the need for quantum-resistant security mechanisms becomes paramount. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) emerges as a viable solution to future-proof EHR security by employing lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptographic techniques that remain resistant to quantum attacks. This paper explores the implications of quantum computing on healthcare cybersecurity, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of existing encryption protocols and the necessity of transitioning toward PQC frameworks. Furthermore, we examine the integration of PQC within healthcare infrastructures, focusing on key exchange mechanisms, digital signatures, and end-to-end encryption for secure EHR transactions. Additionally, the study highlights regulatory and compliance considerations, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) PQC standardization efforts and the role of Zero Trust security models in mitigating quantum-era cyber risks. Case studies illustrate successful implementations of PQC in healthcare networks, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness in safeguarding sensitive medical information. By adopting quantum-resistant cryptographic standards, healthcare institutions can proactively defend against emerging cyber threats, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and long-term resilience in the face of quantum computing advancements.
@artical{b1432025ijcatr14031008,
Title = "Post Quantum Cryptography in Healthcare: Future-Proofing Electronic Health Records Against Quantum Computing Threats and Cyber Attacks",
Journal ="International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research(IJCATR)",
Volume = "14",
Issue ="3",
Pages ="91 - 106",
Year = "2025",
Authors ="Babatunde O. Owolabi"}
The study examines the vulnerabilities of traditional encryption methods in securing electronic health records (EHRs) against quantum computing threats.
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is explored as a solution, focusing on lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate cryptographic techniques.
The paper discusses the integration of PQC into healthcare infrastructures, highlighting key exchange mechanisms, digital signatures, and end-to-end encryption.
Regulatory and compliance considerations, including NIST PQC standardization and Zero Trust security models, are analyzed to ensure quantum-resistant healthcare security.