Q‑FENCE Research at IEEE ICC 2026: Lightweight Cryptography for a better Post‑Quantum Transition

As part of Q-FENCE project that leads EU Cybersecurity Research with support from ECCC and SERI, Dr. Ilias Cherkaoui joined forces with Dr. Indrakshi Dey to write a study titled “Dyadic‑Chaotic Lifting S‑Boxes for Enhanced Physical‑Layer Security within 6G Networks.” Presented in IEEE ICC 2026, Glasgow, Scotland. This work made its appearance during the CISS‑06 session, which zoomed in on cellular network safety across next‑gen 5G, and 6G systems.

A new substitution using dyadic sampling was built specifically for 6G’s ground-level protection. Shaped by a dynamic process linked through conditional selection, it spins up bit shuffles whenever needed, each tied to a starting value and shifting over time. Every output line hits a higher algebraic complexity level, hitting peak structure, while nonlinear behavior averages ideal percentage of what’s theoretically possible, without delay climbing past an acceptable threshold, fitting neatly within ultra-fast reliability demands.
The designed S‑box aligns with Q‑FENCE goals for low‑power encryption tools suitable for constrained 6G gear, which constitutes a vital step toward broader post‑quantum security adoption. This presentation took place under the IEEE Communications Society, where other researchers opened paths to exchange ideas about Q-FENCE vision. Post-quantum cryptography took center stage, along with discussions on 6G security frameworks and this lightweight contribution method also emerged as a key topic throughout discussions, preparing Europe’s digital systems long before quantum threats arrive.