The Quantum-Resistant Storefront: Transitioning E-Commerce Security Frameworks for the Post-Quantum Era

The advent of quantum computing presents a formidable threat to the security of digital information, particularly for the e-commerce sector, which relies heavily on cryptographic protocols for secure transactions and data protection. This systematic literature review examines the transition from current cryptographic standards to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) within e-commerce security frameworks. The study addresses the urgent need for quantum-resistant algorithms to safeguard against the looming "Q-Day," when quantum computers will be capable of breaking widely used public-key encryption schemes. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, this paper synthesizes existing research on the vulnerabilities of current e-commerce security, the development and standardization of PQC algorithms, and the strategic roadmaps for their implementation. Our findings reveal a consensus on the theoretical robustness of PQC candidates, such as lattice-based, code-based, and hash-based cryptography. However, significant challenges remain in the practical integration of these algorithms into legacy e-commerce systems, including performance overhead and the need for crypto-agility. The review highlights the critical role of standardization bodies like NIST in guiding the transition and the necessity for proactive, phased adoption by online businesses. This paper concludes by discussing the implications for the e-commerce industry and outlining a research agenda focused on developing and implementing practical, efficient, and secure quantum-resistant security frameworks for the post-quantum era.