Quantum-resilient cross-trust evaluation for zero trust 5G security

Abstract

The growing complexity of multi-domain 5G networks exposes critical trust and authentication vulnerabilities that traditional security models cannot address, especially against emerging quantum-era threats. In this paper, we propose the Quantum-Resilient Cross Domain Trust Zero Trust Architecture (QCT-ZTA) model to address end-to-end resilience. Integrating blockchain-based federated trust management systems, cross-chain trust negotiations, and post-quantum cryptography will ensure optimal interoperability and resilience. This framework introduces a Quantum-Resilient Proof-of-Trust (QR-PoT) and dynamic cross domain trust scoring systems that mitigate Sybil, Denial of Service, and poisoning attacks. We utilized OMNeT++, Hyperledger Fabric, and liboqs for post-quantum cryptography to implement and evaluate the model on the 5G-NIDD dataset. The results show 88% accuracy in trust detection, a three-fold decrease in unauthorized access, and 35% better throughput stability, compared to the state-of-the-art models Zero-X and TQFL. This proves that QCT-ZTA provides a scalable and quantum-secure trust architecture that is compliant with the 5G and next-generation 6G infrastructures.