Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity in Accounting and Finance: Current and the Future Challenges and Opportunities for Securing Accounting and Finance Systems

Quantum computing is transforming the world profoundly, affecting businesses, organisations, technologies, and human beings’information systems, and will have a profound impact on accounting and finance, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. It presents both opportunities and risks in ensuring confidentiality and protecting financial data. The purpose of this article is to show the application of quantum technologies in accounting cybersecurity, utilising quantum algorithms and QKD to overcome the limitations of classical computing. The literature review reveals the vulnerabilities of the current accounting cybersecurity to quantum attacks and the need for quantum-resistant cryptographic mechanisms. It elaborates on the risks associated with conventional encryption in the context of quantum capabilities. This study contributes to the understanding of how quantum computing can transform accounting cybersecurity by enhancing quantum-resistant algorithms and using QKD in accounting. The study employs PSALSAR systematic review methodology to ensure rigour and depth. The analysis shows that quantum computing enhances encryption techniques to superior possibilities than classical ones. Using quantum technologies in accounting minimises data breaches and unauthorised access. The study concludes that quantum-resistant algorithms and quantum key distribution (QKD) are necessary for securing the accounting and finance systems of the future. Keywords Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Accounting, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Key Distribution, Operations Management

💡 Research Summary

The paper investigates how quantum computing (QC) is reshaping cybersecurity in accounting and finance (A&F) and outlines both the threats it poses to existing cryptographic safeguards and the opportunities it creates for stronger protection mechanisms. Beginning with a concise overview of quantum algorithms, the authors explain that Shor’s algorithm can efficiently factor RSA and break elliptic‑curve cryptography (ECC), while Grover’s algorithm reduces the effective security of symmetric ciphers by a square‑root factor. Because modern A&F systems—electronic invoicing, ERP platforms, cloud‑based bookkeeping, and inter‑bank settlement networks—rely heavily on RSA/ECC‑based TLS and PKI, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could render current confidentiality and integrity guarantees obsolete.

To counteract this looming risk, the study focuses on two quantum‑enabled defensive technologies: post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD). The authors conduct a systematic PSALSAR review of more than 150 recent publications, standards, and industry reports, extracting comparative data on the leading NIST‑selected PQC candidates (CRYSTALS‑KD, Falcon, NTRU, Classic McEliece, etc.). They assess each algorithm’s computational overhead, key size, and compatibility with the high‑throughput, low‑latency requirements of real‑time accounting transactions. Lattice‑based schemes emerge as the most practical for A&F because they balance security against quantum attacks with acceptable performance on commodity hardware. The paper recommends a hybrid migration path: initially deploy PQC alongside legacy RSA/ECC in a “dual‑stack” configuration, then gradually phase out classical primitives as software updates and regulatory guidance mature.

The second pillar, QKD, is presented as a physical‑layer solution that offers information‑theoretic security. The authors describe experimental deployments of BB84 and E91 protocols over fiber‑optic links and satellite channels, noting distance limits, key‑generation rates, and cost considerations. For accounting firms and financial institutions that already operate private, high‑security fiber networks, integrating QKD devices at key exchange points can eliminate man‑in‑the‑middle attacks on key distribution. However, due to the high capital expense and operational constraints, the authors advise a tiered approach: prioritize QKD for core data‑centers, high‑value transaction corridors, and cross‑border settlement links, while using PQC for the broader corporate network.

Beyond encryption, the paper explores how quantum‑enhanced machine learning could improve fraud detection and risk analytics in finance. Quantum support‑vector machines (QSVM) and quantum‑reinforced learning models can process massive transaction datasets more efficiently than classical counterparts, potentially raising detection accuracy and reducing false positives. Nevertheless, current noisy intermediate‑scale quantum (NISQ) hardware suffers from decoherence and error rates that limit immediate production use; a hybrid quantum‑classical pipeline is therefore recommended until fault‑tolerant quantum computers become available.

Methodologically, the authors adopt the PSALSAR systematic review framework—Problem, Scope, Literature, Analysis, Synthesis, Assessment, Recommendation—to ensure rigor. Their literature search spans 2020‑2024, covering academic journals, conference proceedings, white papers, and standards bodies. The synthesis identifies four major findings: (1) quantum attacks on RSA/ECC are theoretically feasible and will become practical within the next decade; (2) PQC algorithms, especially lattice‑based, are ready for integration but require careful key‑management redesign; (3) QKD provides unconditional security for key exchange but is constrained by distance, cost, and integration complexity; (4) quantum‑accelerated AI holds promise for advanced analytics but remains in a research‑prototype stage.

The concluding recommendations are actionable for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Practitioners should develop a multi‑year migration roadmap that layers PQC and QKD, conduct pilot projects in high‑risk transaction pathways, and update incident‑response plans to include quantum‑specific threat vectors. Policymakers and standards organizations are urged to tailor PQC certification processes to the unique compliance requirements of financial reporting (e.g., SOX, IFRS) and to create QKD interoperability guidelines. Researchers are encouraged to focus on efficient lattice‑based implementations for constrained accounting devices, on scalable QKD network architectures, and on hybrid quantum‑classical fraud‑detection algorithms.

Overall, the paper argues that quantum computing will fundamentally alter the cybersecurity landscape of accounting and finance. By proactively adopting quantum‑resistant cryptographic standards and integrating quantum key distribution where feasible, the sector can safeguard confidentiality, integrity, and availability of financial data against both present and future quantum threats.