A Comprehensive Review of Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms: Design, Implementation, Performance, and Real-World Deployment Challenges

Abstract

The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to classical cryptographic systems, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant security solutions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms, focusing on their design, implementation, performance evaluation, and real-world deployment challenges. The study examines major PQC algorithm families, including lattice-based, code-based, hash-based, multivariate, and isogeny-based approaches, highlighting their underlying mathematical foundations, security properties, and practical trade-offs. In addition to theoretical aspects, the review explores implementation strategies across software and hardware platforms, emphasising hybrid cryptographic systems and system-level integration for smooth transition from classical infrastructures. Performance evaluation is discussed through key metrics such as computational efficiency, memory usage, and scalability, along with benchmarking frameworks used to assess real-world applicability. Furthermore, the paper analyses critical security aspects, including cryptanalysis, side-channel attacks, and fault-based vulnerabilities, demonstrating that secure implementation is as important as algorithmic strength. Real-world deployment challenges, such as migration complexity, interoperability issues, resource constraints, and evolving standardisation efforts, are also examined in detail. The review identifies key research gaps, particularly the need for improved efficiency, standardised evaluation methods, and large-scale deployment studies. Overall, this work bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical implementation, providing insights into the future direction of PQC and its role in securing next-generation digital infrastructures against emerging quantum threats.