A Quantum-Enabled Signature Scheme for Securing Zero-Touch Smart IoT in 6G Networks

The emergence of sixth-generation (6G) networks and the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices demand advanced security frameworks capable of operating in highly dynamic, autonomous, and zero-touch environments. Classical cryptographic solutions, relying on static policies and centralized trust models, fall short of addressing quantum-era threats and decentralized infrastructures. To overcome these limitations, we propose a quantum-enabled designated verifier signature (QDVS) scheme for smart IoT in 6G networks. The scheme leverages controlled quantum teleportation for secure state transfer, integrates identity-based verification for signer-verifier binding, and ensures tamper- proof trust management through blockchain assistance. By exploiting quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement, the scheme guarantees unforgeability, source hiding, and non-repudiation, while enabling scalable and autonomous operations within Zero-Touch IoT-cloud architectures. Security is validated through both informal analysis and formal verification using the Scyther tool, demonstrating resistance against classical and quantum attacks, including impersonation, replay, and forgery. Implementation on IBM’s Qiskit simulator achieves fidelity above 89.65% with minimal communication overhead, confirming the feasibility of the proposed protocol for real-world 6G IoT deployments. This work represents a secure-by-design signature framework, aligning with the long-term resilience goals of next-generation networks.