Q-BlockAuth: Blockchain-Enabled Quantum Authentication Scheme for Secure Communication in 6G-Enabled IoNMT Networks

Nanotechnology has become a crucial and influential area of study with diverse applications. Its incorporation into the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to the development of the Internet of Nano Things (IoNT), which is transforming various sectors including healthcare, industrial operations, smart home technologies, aerospace, and defense. However, the adaptability of 6G may increase vulnerability to cyberattacks. This technology has the potential to transform current methods and significantly improve efficiency. Current research is dedicated to creating a secure and scalable framework specifically designed on a nanoscale for the healthcare industry. This has led to the development of the Internet of Nano Medical Things (IoNMT). But still, the distinctive features of nanotechnology present security concerns, especially related to privacy, confidentiality, reliability, latency, and the high costs associated with data storage. The system requires robust security to protect delay-sensitive data, ensuring transparency and resistance to unauthorized interference in IoNMT networks. This article describes a blockchain-based authentication system and the quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol to ensure secure communication and data storage in IoNMT networks. The proposed Q-BlockAuth is designed to handle real-time data with the least amount of latency through decentralised peer-to-peer edge servers. Comprehensive assessments, including Scyther software tool simulation and informal security assessment, confirm the protocol's performance. Additionally, simulations demonstrate that this protocol provides enhanced security and efficiency compared to existing alternatives.