QLink: Quantum-Safe Bridge Architecture for Blockchain Interoperability

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2512.18488v1
• Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:54:30 GMT
• Title: QLink: Quantum-Safe Bridge Architecture for Blockchain Interoperability
• Authors: Joao Vitor Barros Da Silva, Arsh Gupta, Madhusudan Singh Irish Singh,
• Abstract summary: QLink is a quantum-safe Layer 3 interoperability protocol.<n>It integrates postquantum cryptography (PQC) quantum key distribution (QKD) and hardware security modules (HSMs)<n>QLink establishes a practical and future-proof pathway for blockchain interoperability.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Secure interoperability across heterogeneous blockchains remains one of the most pressing challenges in Web3 with existing bridge protocols vulnerable to both classical exploits and emerging quantum threats. This paper introduces QLink a quantum-safe Layer 3 interoperability protocol that integrates postquantum cryptography (PQC) quantum key distribution (QKD) and hardware security modules (HSMs) into a unified validator architecture. To our knowledge, QLink is the first interoperability framework to combine these mechanisms to secure validator communication proof aggregation and key management. Validators exchange encryption keys through QKD channels, achieving information-theoretic security against interception, while cross-chain proofs are generated and aggregated with NIST-standardized PQC algorithms. Private keys remain sealed inside HSM enclaves mitigating the risk of theft or leakage. Deployed as a dedicated Layer 3 protocol QLink operates independently of Layer 1 and Layer 2 chains providing a scalable decentralized foundation for secure cross-chain messaging and asset transfer. Experimental evaluation using network simulations demonstrates that validator communication overhead remains sub-second while security guarantees extend beyond current bridge architectures to resist both classical and quantum adversaries. By addressing today vulnerabilities and anticipating future quantum threats QLink establishes a practical and future-proof pathway for blockchain interoperability.

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