A Post-Quantum Secure File Sharing System Using ML-KEM and Hybrid AES Encryption

Quantum computers pose a significant threat to conventional public-key cryptographic systems, creating an urgent need for secure post-quantum communication mechanisms. This project presents A Post-Quantum Secure File Sharing System Using ML-KEM and Hybrid AES Encryption, designed to provide secure and efficient file sharing through quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques. The system integrates the ML-KEM (Kyber) post-quantum key encapsulation mechanism with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hybrid encryption to ensure strong confidentiality and secure key exchange. In the proposed architecture, uploaded files are encrypted using AES symmetric encryption, while the AES secret key is protected using ML-KEM-based encapsulation. The system further incorporates user authentication, request-based file access, admin authorization, and OTP-based verification to strengthen access control and data security. A secure workflow is implemented in which users can upload encrypted files, send and manage access requests, verify OTPs, and securely download decrypted files only after successful authorization. The proposed system demonstrates the practical applicability of post-quantum cryptography in real-world secure file-sharing environments while maintaining usability, scalability, and enhanced protection against future quantum computing attacks.

Keywords: Post-Quantum Cryptography, ML-KEM (Kyber), Hybrid AES Encryption, Secure File Sharing, Quantum-Resistant Security, OTP Authentication, Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM), AES Symmetric Encryption, Secure Access Control, Cybersecurity, Quantum-Safe Communication, File Encryption and Decryption, Authentication and Authorization.