Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Education: A Novel Curriculum for Enhancing Graduate STEM Learning

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Upadhyay, Suryansh, Phalak, Koustubh, Lee, Jungeun, Hill, Kathleen Mitchell, Ghosh, Swaroop
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
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author Upadhyay, Suryansh
Phalak, Koustubh
Lee, Jungeun
Hill, Kathleen Mitchell
Ghosh, Swaroop
author_facet Upadhyay, Suryansh
Phalak, Koustubh
Lee, Jungeun
Hill, Kathleen Mitchell
Ghosh, Swaroop
contents Quantum computing is an emerging paradigm with the potential to transform numerous application areas by addressing problems considered intractable in the classical domain. However, its integration into cyberspace introduces significant security and privacy challenges. The exponential rise in cyber attacks, further complicated by quantum capabilities, poses serious risks to financial systems and national security. The scope of quantum threats extends beyond traditional software, operating system, and network vulnerabilities, necessitating a shift in cybersecurity education. Traditional cybersecurity education, often reliant on didactic methods, lacks hands on, student centered learning experiences necessary to prepare students for these evolving challenges. There is an urgent need for curricula that address both classical and quantum security threats through experiential learning. In this work, we present the design and evaluation of EE 597: Introduction to Hardware Security, a graduate level course integrating hands-on quantum security learning with classical security concepts through simulations and cloud-based quantum hardware. Unlike conventional courses focused on quantum threats to cryptographic systems, EE 597 explores security challenges specific to quantum computing itself. We employ a mixed-methods evaluation using pre and post surveys to assess student learning outcomes and engagement. Results indicate significant improvements in students' understanding of quantum and hardware security, with strong positive feedback on course structure and remote instruction (mean scores: 3.33 to 3.83 on a 4 point scale).
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id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2503_09375
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Education: A Novel Curriculum for Enhancing Graduate STEM Learning
Upadhyay, Suryansh
Phalak, Koustubh
Lee, Jungeun
Hill, Kathleen Mitchell
Ghosh, Swaroop
Cryptography and Security
Emerging Technologies
Quantum Physics
Quantum computing is an emerging paradigm with the potential to transform numerous application areas by addressing problems considered intractable in the classical domain. However, its integration into cyberspace introduces significant security and privacy challenges. The exponential rise in cyber attacks, further complicated by quantum capabilities, poses serious risks to financial systems and national security. The scope of quantum threats extends beyond traditional software, operating system, and network vulnerabilities, necessitating a shift in cybersecurity education. Traditional cybersecurity education, often reliant on didactic methods, lacks hands on, student centered learning experiences necessary to prepare students for these evolving challenges. There is an urgent need for curricula that address both classical and quantum security threats through experiential learning. In this work, we present the design and evaluation of EE 597: Introduction to Hardware Security, a graduate level course integrating hands-on quantum security learning with classical security concepts through simulations and cloud-based quantum hardware. Unlike conventional courses focused on quantum threats to cryptographic systems, EE 597 explores security challenges specific to quantum computing itself. We employ a mixed-methods evaluation using pre and post surveys to assess student learning outcomes and engagement. Results indicate significant improvements in students' understanding of quantum and hardware security, with strong positive feedback on course structure and remote instruction (mean scores: 3.33 to 3.83 on a 4 point scale).
title Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Education: A Novel Curriculum for Enhancing Graduate STEM Learning
topic Cryptography and Security
Emerging Technologies
Quantum Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.09375