Next-Gen Drone Communications: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Based Protocol for Reduced Traffic Overhead

The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, necessitates robust and secure communication protocols. However, current cryptographic methods employed in drone communications are susceptible to potential security breaches due to advancements in quantum computing. This project proposes a next-generation drone communication protocol that leverages post-quantum cryptography algorithms and proprietary techniques to reduce attack vectors and provide long-term security against these emerging threats while addressing the more considerable overhead integrally associated with post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. Post Quantum Labs LLC (PQL) and its affiliates developed Polynom™?, the first Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) communications platform. Its PQC algorithms are designed to resist attacks from quantum computers, which could break current U.S. Air Force encryption methods. The deployment of PQL's PQC modules significantly improves the security of military communications and data integrity from adversaries like China or Russia, which have the most sophisticated cyber and electronic attack capabilities. PQL has an exclusive license to utilize PQC technology for drone communications. The licensor, Secrecy Labs LLC, a Code Siren, LLC subsidiary, has already developed a PQC platform that can be leveraged to secure drone communications. This platform offers proven PQC cryptographic primitives with proprietary optimization techniques that enhance the security architecture. PQL’s architecture is designed to be efficient and minimize overhead, making it a strong candidate for integration into the proposed protocol.