Post-Quantum Cryptography in Practice: A Literature Review of Protocol-Level Transitions and Readiness

Obianuju Egbuagha; Emmanuel Ikwunna

Paper 2025/1668

Post-Quantum Cryptography in Practice: A Literature Review of Protocol-Level Transitions and Readiness

Obianuju Egbuagha

, University of Oulu

Emmanuel Ikwunna, University of Oulu

Abstract

This paper presents a structured literature review of ongoing global efforts to integrate post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into widely deployed communication and identity protocols. We analyze current readiness, standardization initiatives, hybrid cryptographic approaches, and deployment challenges across multiple layers of the protocol stack, including TLS, SSH, VPNs, certificate infrastructure, and messaging protocols. The report also discusses hybrid cryptographic strategies, current deployment efforts, and the technical challenges facing real-world implementation, including performance, interoperability, and resistance to side-channel attacks. With insights from recent research, industry trials, and open source tools, the report aims to provide a clear and accessible overview of the growing role of PQC in securing the future of digital communication. We aim to guide researchers, developers, and policymakers in understanding the state of PQC integration and encourage broader involvement in the testing, implementation, and evaluation of next-generation cryptographic solutions.

Metadata

Available format(s): PDF
Category: Cryptographic protocols
Publication info: Preprint.
Keywords: Post-Quantum Cryptography Quantum Computing Cryptographic Protocols TLS SSH VPN QKD MQTT IPsec NIST
Contact author(s): obianuju egbuagha @ student oulu fi
emmanuel ikwunna @ student oulu fi
History: 2025-09-18: approved; 2025-09-15: received; See all versions
Short URL: https://ia.cr/2025/1668
License: CC BY

BibTeX

@misc{cryptoeprint:2025/1668,
      author = {Obianuju Egbuagha and Emmanuel Ikwunna},
      title = {Post-Quantum Cryptography in Practice: A Literature Review of Protocol-Level Transitions and Readiness},
      howpublished = {Cryptology {ePrint} Archive, Paper 2025/1668},
      year = {2025},
      url = {https://eprint.iacr.org/2025/1668}
}