Categorical framework for quantum-resistant zero-trust AI security

The rapid deployment of AI models demands robust, quantum-resistant security against adversarial threats. We present a novel framework integrating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with zero trust architecture (ZTA), formally grounded in category theory to secure AI model access. Our approach uniquely models cryptographic workflows as morphisms and trust policies as functors. This enables fine-grained, adaptive trust and micro-segmentation for lattice-based PQC primitives, offering enhanced protection against adversarial AI threats. We demonstrate efficacy through a concrete ESP32 implementation, validating crypto-agile transition with quantifiable improvements. Category theory provides rigorous proofs for AI security. Our implementation achieves significant memory efficiency: the agent uses 91.86% and the broker 97.88% of free heap after cryptographic operations. The system rejects 100% of unauthorized access attempts with sub-millisecond average latency.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2026-02-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-37190-x
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Cryptography and Data Security
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
52.10
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article

Categorical framework for quantum-resistant zero-trust AI security

I. Dey, I. Cherkaoui, C. Clarke, J. Horgan
1 citations
Scientific Reports
Cryptography and Data Security
52.10
article

Categorical framework for quantum-resistant zero-trust AI security

I. Dey, I. Cherkaoui, C. Clarke, J. Horgan
article en
1 citations

Abstract

The rapid deployment of AI models demands robust, quantum-resistant security against adversarial threats. We present a novel framework integrating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with zero trust architecture (ZTA), formally grounded in category theory to secure AI model access. Our approach uniquely models cryptographic workflows as morphisms and trust policies as functors. This enables fine-grained, adaptive trust and micro-segmentation for lattice-based PQC primitives, offering enhanced protection against adversarial AI threats. We demonstrate efficacy through a concrete ESP32 implementation, validating crypto-agile transition with quantifiable improvements. Category theory provides rigorous proofs for AI security. Our implementation achieves significant memory efficiency: the agent uses 91.86% and the broker 97.88% of free heap after cryptographic operations. The system rejects 100% of unauthorized access attempts with sub-millisecond average latency.

Scientific ReportsVol. 16(1)
Walsh University (US), South East Technological University (IE), Waterford Institute of Technology (IE)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Cryptography and Data Security
52.10
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