Introduction: Because it aids in shielding private information and communications from prying eyes, cryptography is a crucial component of contemporary society. However, with the advent of quantum computing, conventional cryptographic algorithms that depend on the difficulty of computing discrete logarithms or factoring large numbers are becoming more open to attack. This is where post-quantum cryptography, a subfield of cryptography that focuses on creating algorithms that are impervious to both quantum and classical computers, comes into play.
Post-quantum cryptography, also known as lattice-based, code-based, multivariate-based, or hash-based cryptography, is based on mathematical problems that are thought to be challenging for quantum computers to solve. These algorithms were created to withstand quantum attacks, which employ quantum computers to compromise more established cryptographic algorithms. Even if an attacker has a quantum computer, they won’t be able to decrypt the encryption with post-quantum cryptography and access confidential data.
Although it is still in its infancy, quantum computing has the potential to completely alter the field of cryptography, which is why post-quantum cryptography is significant. Quantum attacks, which have the potential to jeopardize the security of private data and communications, will render conventional cryptographic algorithms obsolete. Post-quantum cryptography is crucial because it addresses the issue of quantum attacks and ensures that data and communications are secure even in the presence of quantum computing.
Current Post-Quantum Cryptography Developments: Several post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, including lattice-based algorithms, code-based algorithms, multivariate-based algorithms, and hash-based algorithms, are currently being developed. The final round of submissions for candidate algorithms was finished in 2022, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been working on standardizing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms since 2016. The following step is to decide which algorithms have the best chance of succeeding and to develop guidelines for their application.
In conclusion, post-quantum cryptography is a crucial area of research that protects data and communications from quantum attacks. Post-quantum cryptography is a crucial area of study because the development of quantum computing has made conventional cryptographic algorithms more and more vulnerable. We can make sure that our data and communications remain secure in the future as more post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are created and standardized.
Author: Pooyan Ghamari, Swiss Economist and Visionary, Specialist in New Technology and AI
