Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography has become one of the more actively explored innovations in the design of modern digital identity verification systems, promising gains in efficiency and reliability that legacy, largely manual approaches have struggled to deliver.

Despite this potential, many existing digital identity verification systems were not originally designed with quantum-resistant cryptography in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in decision support that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Quantum-Resistant Cryptography can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Current digital identity verification systems in many organizations struggle with inadequate decision support, often relying on manual processes or outdated architectures that were not designed for today's operating environment. Without a structured approach to integrating quantum-resistant cryptography, these limitations are likely to persist, exposing organizations to inefficiency, risk, and a poor user experience. This study is motivated by the need to design and evaluate a quantum-resistant cryptography-based approach to addressing this problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a quantum-resistant cryptography-based approach to improving decision support in digital identity verification systems.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Quantum-Resistant Cryptography in enhancing decision support within digital identity verification systems.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying quantum-resistant cryptography in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can quantum-resistant cryptography be applied to improve decision support in digital identity verification systems?
2. How effective is Quantum-Resistant Cryptography at enhancing decision support within digital identity verification systems?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying quantum-resistant cryptography in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in quantum-resistant cryptography for their own digital identity verification systems, and contributes to the broader literature on applied software technology / IT by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a quantum-resistant cryptography-based approach to improving decision support within digital identity verification systems. Reflecting its clearly defined scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.