TY - JOUR AU - Dr. K Raghavendar AU - T Khyathi Gayathri AU - T Mounika AU - P Babu PY - 2026 DA - 2026/02/09 TI - Quantum Shield: Post-Quantum Security for Next-Generation Digital Communication JO - Global Journal of Engineering Innovations and Interdisciplinary Research VL - 6 IS - 2 AB - The advent of cryptographically relevant quantum computers poses an existential threat to current public-key cryptographic systems (RSA, ECC) widely used in digital communication protocols such as TLS, IPsec, VPNs, and secure messaging. Traditional systems face risks from "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks, compromising long-term confidentiality of sensitive data in finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. This paper proposes Quantum Shield, a comprehensive post-quantum secure framework for next-generation digital communication. It integrates NIST-standardized post-quantum algorithms (ML-KEM for key encapsulation, ML-DSA and SLH-DSA for digital signatures) with hybrid crypto-agile designs, hardware acceleration support, and role-based access controls. The system ensures quantum-resistant key establishment, authentication, and end-to-end encryption while maintaining low latency and high throughput. Experimental evaluation on simulated network traffic demonstrates acceptable performance overhead, enhanced resistance to quantum attacks, improved traceability, and secure multi-party coordination. Quantum Shield bridges the gap between classical and quantum-safe infrastructures, fostering trust and compliance in an era of quantum threats. SN - 3066-1226 UR - https://dx.doi.org/10.33425/3066-1226.1206 DO - 10.33425/3066-1226.1206