DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18113695
title: QANBDG — Quantum-Adaptive Neural-Blockchain Defense Grid A Post-Quantum Autonomic Reference Architecture for Sovereign Defense and Classified Critical National Infrastructure Security

description:  



QANBDG — Final Ultimate Edition (Clean Zenodo Description)

Quantum-Adaptive Neural-Blockchain Defense Grid (QANBDG)

A Post-Quantum, Autonomic Reference Architecture for Sovereign Defense and Classified Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Security



Abstract (Authoritative Description)

The Quantum-Adaptive Neural-Blockchain Defense Grid (QANBDG) presents an advanced, defence-only, post-quantum reference architecture for protecting classified, sovereign-scale, and high-value Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) against emerging quantum-era, AI-driven, and hybrid cyber threats.

QANBDG integrates NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptography, federated neuro-symbolic artificial intelligence, permissioned blockchain-based veracity mechanisms, and large-scale cyber twin simulation into a unified autonomic defensive framework. The architecture is explicitly designed for long-horizon cryptographic resilience, zero-trust operational assurance, and legally bounded sovereign deployment.

This work is intended as a policy, research, and strategic reference architecture, not as an operational cyber-weapon system, offensive platform, or commercial security product.



Core Architectural Innovations

Post-Quantum Cryptographic Foundation

The architecture is grounded in NIST-finalized post-quantum cryptographic standards, including:



ML-KEM-1024 (FIPS 203) for quantum-resistant key establishment

ML-DSA-87 (FIPS 204) for post-quantum digital signatures

Falcon-based signatures (FIPS 205) for high-assurance authentication


This foundation supports long-term confidentiality, integrity, and audit survivability under quantum-capable adversary models.



Federated Neuro-Symbolic Defense Intelligence

QANBDG employs hybrid GAN–LSTM–Transformer ensembles augmented with symbolic constraints to support:



Sub-50ms zero-day threat response design envelopes

High-confidence anomaly and adversarial behavior detection

Privacy-preserving federated learning across distributed sovereign environments

Mandatory human-in-the-loop (HIL) governance for high-impact or irreversible decisions




Blockchain-Anchored Veracity and Provenance Fabric

A permissioned Proof-of-Stake-Authority (PoSA) blockchain layer provides:



Hyperledger-based high-throughput, auditable event integrity

Zero-knowledge proof mechanisms (ZK-SNARKs) for selective disclosure and compliance verification

Immutable forensic traceability suitable for regulated and classified operational contexts




Quantum Cyber-Twin Simulation Environment

The framework incorporates large-scale cyber twin and adversarial simulation capabilities, enabling:



Continuous red-team / blue-team stress testing

MITRE-aligned cyber-range modeling at sovereign infrastructure scale

Systemic risk evaluation across cyber, operational, and mission-critical domains




Performance and Validation Envelope (Illustrative Reference)

QANBDG defines high-level architectural performance envelopes, including:



Sovereign-scale command-and-control data handling capacity

Ultra-high availability and resilience design targets

Continuous mission survivability assessment under adversarial stress conditions


All performance figures are presented as architectural design envelopes and validated simulation benchmarks, not as commercial service guarantees or deployed operational metrics.



Standards and Governance Alignment

The architecture is designed to align with leading international cybersecurity, defense, and resilience standards, including:



Cryptography: NIST FIPS 203 / 204 / 205

Cybersecurity Governance: NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 (Tier-4 orientation)

Critical Infrastructure Protection: NIS2 (2025 readiness)

Defense Compliance: DFARS 7012, CMMC Level 3+ orientation

Continuity and Resilience: ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301




Ethical and Legal Posture

QANBDG is a defence-only architecture and explicitly excludes:



Offensive cyber operations

Kinetic enablement

Mass surveillance or population-scale monitoring


The framework is designed to support constitutionally constrained sovereign defense and aligns with international legal norms and emerging AI governance principles, including IEEE P7009 guidance on autonomous systems.



Intended Use and Scope

This work is intended for:



Sovereign defense and internal security policy design

Critical national infrastructure resilience planning

Post-quantum cybersecurity research and doctrine development

Advanced academic, standards-oriented, and strategic analysis


It is not intended as a deployable commercial product or operational cyber-weapon system.



Keywords

Post-Quantum Cryptography; Zero-Trust Defense; Neuro-Symbolic AI; Blockchain Veracity; Quantum Cyber Twins; Sovereign Cybersecurity; Critical National Infrastructure; Defense Governance.