Hybrid Post Quantum Cryptography: Benchmarking and Machine Learning-Based Optimization

Shaikh, Saud Suhail (2025) Hybrid Post Quantum Cryptography: Benchmarking and Machine Learning-Based Optimization. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The need to protect digital communications from quantum-age threats becomes ever more urgent as cloud computing becomes globally commonplace. In contrast to the RSA-2048 traditional cryptosystem, this research explores the performance and optimization of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms, namely Kyber512 and McEliece-348864. The project demonstrates a three-stage hybrid research pipeline: algorithmic benchmarking with 5 kb to 1000 kb payloads, machine learning-aided optimization of cryptographic workload forecasting, and graphically intuitive live analysis development. We contrast the CPU load, memory consumption, and execution time of the three algorithms in terms of synthetic and real file payloads. Second, taking algorithm and payload size as input, we use supervised learning to predict PQC memory usage with high predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.97). Hybrid post-quantum encryption offers greater security against quantum as well as classical attacks while ensuring interoperability during the phase of cryptographic transition (QCVE.org, 2024) by combining quantum-resistant algorithms such as ML-KEM with conventional key exchange protocols. Deployment of Post-Quantum Cryptography on cloud infrastructures is essential, recent studies have established, and hybrid encryption techniques combining classical and quantum-resistant algorithms offer the optimal security-performance trade-off for the transition (Shukla, 2024). The interactive benchmarking and visualization enabled by our system's GUI give novice users and experts alike an accurate perception of cryptographic performance. To validate the empirical progress of this work, the report ends in comparative analysis of its findings with previous baseline researches, outlining the road map to the deployment of effective and quantum-proof cryptography. The finished Post-Quantum Cryptography standards, meeting recent NIST projects, acknowledge the necessity for speedy empirical benchmarking and market uptake to pre-emptively secure cryptographic infrastructure against quantum attacks (NIST, 2025; NIST, 2017; AppViewX, 2024).

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Khan, Imran UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Post-Quantum Cryptography; Kyber512; McEliece-348864; RSA-2048; AI Optimization; Cryptographic Benchmarking; Cloud Security; Quantum Threat; GUI Implementation; PQC Evaluation
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology > Methods of research. Technique. Experimental biology > Data processing. Bioinformatics > Artificial intelligence Q Science > Q Science (General) > Self-organizing systems. Conscious automata > Artificial intelligence T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Cloud computing Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security Q Science > Q Science (General) > Self-organizing systems. Conscious automata > Machine learning Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science > Computer Systems > Computers > Electronic data processing > Quantum computing T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science > Computer Systems > Computers > Electronic data processing > Quantum computing
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	17 Jun 2026 08:48
Last Modified:	17 Jun 2026 08:48
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9375

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