A Systematic Review of AI-Driven and Quantum-Resistant Security Solutions for Cyber-Physical Systems: Blockchain, Federated Learning, and Emerging Technologies

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) form the foundation of critical infrastructures, integrating computing, networking, and physical processes across sectors such as energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. As CPS become increasingly interconnected, they face sophisticated cyber threats that challenge traditional security measures. This systematic review explores next-generation cybersecurity solutions designed to protect CPS, focusing on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum-resistant cryptography, and federated learning (FL). We conducted a comprehensive literature search across IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies published between 2010 and 2024. The review covers studies that examine the role of AI in anomaly detection and automated threat responses, blockchain for decentralized communication and identity management, and quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques as a safeguard against future quantum-enabled attacks. Federated learning, which enables collaborative learning across CPS devices while preserving data privacy, is also evaluated for its distributed security applications. The findings indicate that while AI enhances real-time security, it remains vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Blockchain offers robust security but faces scalability challenges, and federated learning requires stronger safeguards against model poisoning.

I. Introduction

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) represent a sophisticated fusion of computational and physical processes, integrating sensors, actuators, communication networks, and data analytics to control and optimize critical infrastructure operations. CPS are deployed in numerous sectors, such as energy grids, transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and industrial automation, enabling real-time decision-making and advanced automation. As CPS are increasingly adopted in these vital sectors, their security has become a paramount concern due to their exposure to a growing number of cyber threats that could potentially lead to operational failures or physical damage [1].