The modern digital age relies on cryptography to secure information. Online banking and national intelligence are secured through cryptography. But the advent of quantum computing is changing the game. Quantum computers, which can solve certain types of problems far more quickly than classical computers, will be able to break many of the encryption systems currently in use. Enter Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
What is Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Post-Quantum Cryptography: A cryptographic algorithm that can’t be broken by a quantum computer. Unlike existing encryption techniques such as RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), which can be decrypted if large enough quantum computers become practical, PQC algorithms are built around mathematical problems for which no efficient algorithm exists — regardless of the computer used. The idea is to prepare data so that it remains secure in a quantum world.
Why Post-Quantum Cryptography Is Necessary?
“Today’s cryptography is excellent against classical computers. But quantum computers run algorithms such as Shor’s Algorithm and Grover’s Algorithm, which can quickly solve RSA and ECC. For example:
- Encrypting an RSA-2048 key could be busted in hours or minutes with a big enough quantum computer.
- Sensitive data, such as health records or national security files could be compromised.
In other words, we need cryptographic algorithms that can protect data not only today but also decades from now. PQC guarantees long-term security as well in the presence of quantum adversaries.
How Post-Quantum Cryptography Works
PQC substitutes new mathematical techniques to develop secure encryption. Some popular techniques include:
- Lattice-based cryptography: Relies on problems pertaining to high-dimensional lattices, and is intended to be secure against quantum adversaries.
- Hash-based cryptography: makes use of the strength of hash functions to obtain secure digital signatures.
- Code-based cryptography: based on error-correcting codes for security.
- Multivariate polynomial cryptography: Utilizes polynomial equations that are challenging for quantum computers to solve.
Currently these methods are being tested and standardised so that they are secure and implementable.
The NIST Effect on PQC Standardization
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is running the process to standardize PQC algorithms. In 2016, NIST initiated an international competition to identify the best post-quantum-security algorithms. In 2022, NIST anounced post quantum algorithms for encryption and digital signatures eventually replacing RSA/ECC.
Challenges in Adopting PQC
PQC offers the potential for strong security, but as usual, it is not without its problems:
- Performance: Some algorithms are not as fast or memory-efficient.
- Interoperability: A tremendous number of existing systems rely on RSA and ECC; migrating these to PQC requires extensive changes.
- Scalability: PQC’s worldwide billions of device adoption is not a trivial matter to achieve.
Even with these challenges, government s, businesses and tech giants are getting ready to migrate to PQC before quantum computers become powerful enough to do actual harm.
PQC Is The Future Of Data Security
PQC can not be opt in, it has to be mandatory. From banking, health and defence to cloud computing, all these sectors will require PQC to secure their systems. Early adoption would help head off a “harvest now, decrypt later” attack scenario, whereby data gets harvested today but stored in hopes quantum computers will be available for decryption later on down the road.
FAQs:
Q1: When will quantum computers become dangerous?
A: The consensus of experts is that it will be 10–20 years before we have practical quantum computers, but getting ready now is critical.
Q2: Aren’t we going to replace all cryptography with PQC?
A: PQC is not going to replace classic cryptography all at once if and when it arrives. We expect that the transition period will require a hybrid approach with pre- and post-quantum approaches.
Q3: How much is PQC slower than current encryption?
A: Certain PQC algorithms remain computationally intense, but researchers are actively working to streamline them for speed and efficiency.
Q4: Who is developing PQC?
A: Entities such as NIST, Google, IBM, Microsoft and countless mainstream research institutes are driving the development and experimentation of PQC.
Q5: What steps can companies take to prepare for PQC?
A: Businesses should monitor NIST’s guidance, evaluate PQC-ready systems and prepare a migration strategy for the future.