Developing Hybrid Post-Quantum Encryption Frameworks for U.S. Databases Integrating Financial, Governmental, and Critical Infrastructure Protections

Abstract

Purpose
The rapid evolution of quantum computing is a major menace to the current cryptography design and poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data in the financial, government/critical infrastructure arena of the United States. The following paper aims at exploring the development, adoption, and motivation of hybrid post-quantum encryption (PQC) models, i.e., classical and quantum-resistant algorithms. It particularly measures the awareness, practical application levels, perceived benefits, and readiness to implement among the key sectors in the United States, and measures the assistance and collaboration of the policy in the process.

Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a descriptive and correlational design, with a mixed-methods approach with a quantitative survey as its main focus. The data were gathered within 235 cybersecurity professionals and decision-makers within U.S. financial, governmental, and critical infrastructure organizations using a structured survey. This survey tool proved to be very reliable (Cronbachs Alpha = 0.928). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the relationship between variables and find out the differences between sectors.

Findings
The results show that the general awareness of the post-quantum cryptography among respondents is rather high (M=4.08). There were found strong positive correlations between awareness, implementation of hybrid practices, perceived security benefits, and implementation readiness. To identify predictive variables of the implementation readiness, regression analysis was conducted and demonstrated that policy support, security benefits, and hybrid practices were substantial predictors of implementation readiness with a combined account of 68.6 percent of the variation in implementation readiness. In addition, the results of ANOVA indicated statistically significant sectoral disparities in the perceived security benefits of hybrid PQC in that government and defense industries were more willing to adopt this type of technology than the performance sensitive financial industry.

Originality/value
This study offers an opportune and empirical study on sector-specific preparedness and perceptions toward hybrid PQC in the United States, which is a sensitive national security domain. It provides new ideas as it quantitatively connects the awareness, policy support and practical application to implementation readiness, and it outlines the subtle issues in various industries. The results provide policymakers, technology creators, and organizational executives with evidence-based solutions to create custom strategies, training methods, and regulatory systems to enable a safe and seamless move to quantum-resistant cryptography.