Quantum computing is rapidly reshaping the landscape of digital security, and a team of researchers from the Rensselaer Cybersecurity Collaboratory (RCC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is leading the charge. 

Brian Callahan, ’15G, ’18, Ph.D., RPI senior lecturer and director of the RCC, along with RPI students Tiffany Cheng, ’28, Shoshana Sugerman, ’25, and Colin Farley, ’25, had their paper, “Quantum Preprocessing for Internet of Things Edge Computing Security Devices,” accepted for presentation at the 1st IEEE Conference on Secure and Trustworthy CyberInfrastructure for IoT and Microelectronics (SaTC 2025). 

The research explores innovative ways to enhance security for Internet of Things (IoT) devices using quantum preprocessing techniques. With the rapid growth of connected devices, securing IoT networks has become an urgent challenge. This paper addresses the pressing security issues facing IoT devices, especially as quantum computing introduces new vulnerabilities and opportunities for advanced cryptographic solutions.

“This research is an exciting milestone not only for the RCC but also for our students at RPI, who come together from diverse fields to solve some of the most pressing challenges in quantum computing and cybersecurity,” said Callahan. “Tiffany, Shoshana, and Colin, representing Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering (ECSE); Information Technology and Web Science (ITWS); and Computer Science (CSCI), respectively, are a perfect example of how the RCC attracts talent from across the Institute. The opportunity to collaborate on cutting-edge research in quantum security for IoT devices gives our students invaluable hands-on experience that will be crucial as they enter an increasingly quantum-enabled world.”

The paper marks the second Quantum Cybersecurity publication from the RCC, following the installation of Rensselaer’s IBM Quantum System One in April 2024. Since then, RCC student researchers have made remarkable strides in the field, with a total of 10 RPI undergraduate students now contributing to quantum cybersecurity research. Their work is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in securing the next generation of connected devices.

The RCC continues to be a leader in both quantum and cybersecurity research, with an expanding focus on the intersection of Generative AI and cybersecurity. RPI is providing students with unique opportunities for hands-on research in these critical fields, making the RCC one of the most exciting places to study and innovate in cybersecurity today.