Integrating quantum computing with federated learning for enhanced security and privacy in IoT networks

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries such as healthcare, transportation, and smart infrastructure, but it also amplifies critical concerns regarding data security, privacy, and device authentication. Traditional cryptographic mechanisms offer partial protection, yet they remain vulnerable to emerging quantum computing threats, posing significant risks to IoT systems. Addressing these challenges, this paper introduces FLQC-IoT, a novel security framework that integrates federated learning (FL) with quantum computing (QC) to provide robust, scalable, and future-ready protection. Unlike conventional centralized approaches, FLQC-IoT enables decentralized model training directly on IoT devices, safeguarding sensitive data from exposure. Quantum technologies are incorporated at multiple layers: quantum neural networks accelerate optimization tasks, while quantum key distribution and quantum homomorphic encryption ensure tamper-proof key exchange and secure communication. Furthermore, the framework adapts dynamically to emerging threats through real-time anomaly detection and distributed intelligence, significantly enhancing resilience. Experimental results demonstrate a 15.32 % reduction in computational overhead and a 21.45 % decrease in authentication rounds compared to state-of-the-art methods, highlighting the framework’s efficiency and practical readiness. These findings underscore the significance and transformative impact of FLQC-IoT, providing a scalable, privacy-preserving, and resilient approach to securing IoT networks across critical domains, including healthcare, university campus networks, smart infrastructure, and transportation.