Design of a Quantum Resistant Cryptography Algorithm for Blockchain Network Using Modified Bit Flipping Key Encapsulation

Due to the continuous development of Quantum computing, it is envisaged that in the near future, classical cryptography will no longer be considered secure, these will make systems which rely on them become outdated. One of such system is the Blockchain networks used in diverse applications, such as cryptocurrency, banks, supply chain management , just to mention but a fe .Current algorithms used to secure Blockchain networks such as Rivest-Shamir Adieman (RSA), Secure Hash Algorithm, 256 bit (SHA 256) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are prone to quantum attacks.. They all employ the traditional cryptography techniques which are prone to attack by Quantum computing algorithms It has been shown that Shor’s and Grover’s algorithm can easily compromise asymmetric encryption by increasing the rate at which brute force attack can be implemented. As a result of these development it becomes imperative to design an efficient quantum resistant blockchain algorithm capable of protecting decentralised systems like banks and corporate organizations from Quantum computing threats. The aim of this paper is to design a novel Quantum resistant cryptography algorithm (QRCA) that can protect systems from Quantum computing attacks. The algorithm consist of code-based Modified Bit Flipping key exchange (MBIKE) and Post-Quantum Pseudorandom Number Generators (PQ-PRNGs) to create Quantum resistant blockchain encrypting protocol. The traditional classical encrypting techniques is now replaced with a new code based cryptography protocol, MBIKE is a key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM) which is usually regarded as a post quantum key distribution protocol and it can therefore be a good replacement for Quantum Key distribution (QKD). MBIKE is able to protect blockchain networks from eavesdropping, while PQ-PRNG provides randomness in cryptography key distribution, which aids in making the cryptographic keys difficult to compute by hackers. The code-based key generation helps to build a secure error detecting and correcting codes. The protocol designed in the paper improves the accuracy of encryption, secure key exchange and immunity to quantum hacking with only a little overhead. The operation of the protocol enhances network transparency as well protect the blockchain network from yet to be identified quantum threats. Experimental analysis show that the protocol guarantees 99.5% protection of blockchain networks against quantum attacks, thereby enhancing the economy of large decentralized networks used in multinational corporations.