QR-MetaSSI: A Quantum-Resistant Self-Sovereign Identity Framework for Metaverse Platforms

Quantum computing presents a critical threat to the cryptographic basis of metaverse platforms, with Shor’s algorithm capable of breaking traditional public-key cryptography and Grover’s algorithm significantly weakening symmetric encryption. The present self-sovereign identity (SSI) ecosystems are built on classical cryptographic systems that are susceptible to quantum attacks; hence, there is an immediate need for quantum-secure identity management in persistent virtual environments. This article proposes a solution called Quantum-Resistant MetaSSI (QR-MetaSSI), which is a comprehensive model that integrates NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with W3C-compliant SSI principles. We design lattice-based decentralized identifiers (PQ-DIDs), hash-based verifiable credentials (PQ-VCs), and a hybrid authentication protocol that meets the needs of the metaverse, such as latency, interoperability, and persistent identities. The framework is subjected to mathematical modeling and simulation studies. Our study indicates that QR-MetaSSI keeps the authentication delay below 150 ms, which is inside the VR comfort range with 128-bit quantum security. Besides that, a comparative evaluation reveals that the proposed solution drastically reduces the risk of a quantum attack compared with classical ECC-based SSI systems at a level of computational overhead that is completely reasonable. QR-MetaSSI is a major step forward in the security of the metaverse, providing not only theoretical bases but also practical implementation instructions for the migration to quantum-resistant identity management. This framework not only addresses the most important breaches in security but also keeps the performance standards that are necessary for the creation of virtual environments that are highly immersive.