Rademics Research Institute

Abstract

The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to classical cryptographic mechanisms, necessitating the integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) into security frameworks for IoT-enabled power electronics. Smart grids and industrial automation systems rely on interconnected IoT devices for real-time control, monitoring, and data exchange, making them highly vulnerable to emerging quantum threats. This book chapter explores PQC frameworks tailored for securing power electronics in smart grid and industrial applications, addressing critical challenges such as computational overhead, communication latency, system compatibility, and scalability. The impact of PQC on real-time performance was evaluated, considering its influence on industrial IoT networks, cryptographic handshake efficiency, and data transmission reliability. Hybrid cryptographic solutions that combine classical and post-quantum approaches are assessed for their feasibility in power electronics IoT systems. Security resilience under adverse network conditions, including cyberattacks and network disruptions, was also analyzed to ensure seamless PQC integration without compromising operational stability. Through a comprehensive study of PQC implementation, performance optimization, and interoperability testing, this chapter provides insights into the future of secure and resilient power electronics systems in quantum-era cybersecurity landscapes.

Introduction

The increasing digitization and interconnectivity of power electronics in smart grid and industrial applications have significantly improved efficiency, automation, and real-time decision-making [1,2]. These advancements also introduce substantial cybersecurity risks, particularly as quantum computing emerges as a disruptive force capable of breaking classical cryptographic algorithms [3]. Power electronics systems, which form the backbone of modern energy infrastructure, rely heavily on secure communication and data integrity to ensure reliable operations [4,5]. The transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) was crucial to protecting these critical systems from potential quantum threats. Unlike conventional encryption mechanisms such as RSA and ECC, PQC algorithms are designed to resist quantum-based attacks, providing long-term security for IoT-enabled power electronics [6]. The implementation of PQC in these systems was essential to maintaining data confidentiality, ensuring the authenticity of control commands, and preventing unauthorized access that could lead to catastrophic failures in power distribution networks [7].

The integration of PQC into IoT-enabled power electronics presents several technical challenges, particularly in terms of computational efficiency and communication overhead [8]. Power electronics applications, including smart inverters, industrial motor drives, and grid monitoring systems, operate under stringent real-time constraints [9]. Many of these devices have limited processing power and memory, making it difficult to accommodate the increased computational demands of PQC algorithms [10, 11]. Power grid communication relies on established industrial protocols such as IEC 61850 and DNP3, which were not originally designed to support the large key sizes and complex operations associated with quantum-resistant encryption [12]. As a result, optimizing PQC implementation for power electronics IoT networks requires a careful balance between security and performance, ensuring that cryptographic enhancements do not hinder real-time responsiveness [13].