PrivShield-CQ: A chaotic–quantum encryption framework with lightweight authentication for post-quantum secure consumer applications

The rapid expansion of consumer technologies such as Internet of Things devices, smart home systems, and wearable electronics has created new security challenges, especially as quantum computing threatens traditional encryption methods. This paper proposes PrivShield-CQ, a chaotic–quantum encryption framework designed for post-quantum secure consumer applications. The framework integrates a six-dimensional hyperchaotic Chen system for high-entropy key generation with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standardized post-quantum algorithms, including Module Lattice Key Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM), Module Lattice Digital Signature Algorithm (ML-DSA), and Stateless Hash Digital Signature Algorithm (SLH-DSA). Extensive experiments across devices such as ESP32, Raspberry Pi 4B, and Galaxy S23 demonstrate significant improvements: 99.7% quantum attack resistance, 65.4% lower authentication latency with 3.7 ms average response, 31.4% energy savings, and 33.0% extended battery life compared to existing post-quantum cryptography approaches. Shannon entropy analysis (7.9973/8.0) and successful completion of all 15 National Institute of Standards and Technology randomness tests confirm cryptographic strength. Validated through a six-month real-world deployment with over 10,000 secure interactions per hour, PrivShield-CQ bridges the gap between theoretical quantum-safe cryptography and practical consumer use, enabling scalable, energy-efficient, and quantum-resistant security for next-generation connected ecosystems. • Proposes PrivShield-CQ, a hybrid chaotic-quantum encryption framework for post-quantum secure consumer applications. • Achieves 99.7% quantum resistance effectiveness against simulated quantum attacks. • Reduces authentication latency by 65.4% with an average response time of 3.7 ms. • Optimizes energy consumption with 31.4% savings and extends battery life by 33.0%. • Ensures 94.2% cross-platform compatibility across heterogeneous consumer device ecosystems.