Quantum-Resistant Cryptography

Field

Cryptography

Purpose

Safeguard digital information against quantum threats; protect sensitive information in healthcare, finance, and government.

Definition

Cryptographic approaches designed to protect against potential attacks from quantum computers, engineered to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks.

Also Known As

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC)

Example Techniques

Lattice-based cryptography (e.g., CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium), Hash-based cryptography, Code-based cryptography, Multivariate polynomial cryptography

Key Characteristic

Built on mathematical problems that even quantum systems are unlikely to solve efficiently.

Vulnerable Current Standards

RSA, ECC (Public Key Cryptography)

Implementation Priority Assets

Root and issuing Certificate Authority (CA) keys, Client authentication systems, IoT firmware signing platforms, Long-term document signing systems

Resistant Symmetric Key Systems

AES, SNOW 3G

2016-MM-DD

2020s-2030s

Ongoing

The only real defense is to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography, or algorithms engineered to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks. ### What Is Quantum-Resistant Cryptography? Quantum-resistant cryptography, or post-quantum cryptography (PQC), is a set of cryptographic approaches designed to protect against potential attacks from quantum computers. [...] Unlike classical encryption, which is becoming increasingly vulnerable, quantum-safe algorithms are built on mathematical problems that even quantum systems are unlikely to solve efficiently. These include: Lattice-based cryptography (e.g., CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium) Hash-based cryptography Code-based cryptography Multivariate polynomial cryptography [...] We’ll walk through what quantum-resistant cryptography means, why it’s crucial for securing your digital infrastructure, and how organizations can begin to implement quantum-proof cryptography so they can stay ahead of threats. You’ll also gain insight into:

Likewise, quantum-resistant cryptography also enables experts to properly shield previously annotated data from breaches, which is especially important when reading with data sets in healthcare, finance or even government. For organizations in all sectors, taking proactive measures to protect sensitive information against quantum threats is paramount. Regular updates to cryptographic practices and staying informed about quantum-resistant cryptography developments are key. [...] The timeline for quantum computers to reach the necessary computational power to execute Shor’s algorithm effectively remains uncertain, but experts estimate it could be within the next decade or two. Overview of Current Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Techniques Quantum-resistant cryptography, also known as post-quantum cryptography, is designed to safeguard data against the advanced capabilities of quantum computers. [...] JOIN US Image 6: Quantum-Resistant CryptographyIn light of the rapid progress of quantum computing in recent years, the development of quantum-resistant cryptography has become an immediate and pressing need. Today’s current cryptographic standards, including techniques like RSA and ECC, face several potential vulnerabilities in the face of emerging quantum attacks.

The first step in implementing quantum-resistant cryptography is conducting a full inventory of the organization’s PKI. This includes digital certificates, security keys, protocols, data libraries, and all devices tied into the PKI trust chain. Once catalogued, each asset should be classified according to three key factors: Sensitivity of the data it protects Expected lifetime of the data or how long it must remain confidential Risk and impact of potential data exposure [...] As the era of PQC, or post-quantum cryptography, draws nearer, the need for quantum-resistant cryptography across enterprises will skyrocket. These changes are already influencing roadmaps and compliance timelines. This is not surprising, as the complexity of implementing quantum-resistant cryptography demands a phased, risk-aligned approach. And it’s one that you need to begin today. [...] Top priorities for quantum-resistant protection typically include: Root and issuing Certificate Authority (CA) keys Client authentication systems IoT firmware signing platforms Long-term document signing systems These assets are critical in the PKI ecosystem and carry severe operational risks if compromised.

The Open Quantum Safe (OQS) project was started in late 2016 and has the goal of developing and prototyping quantum-resistant cryptography. It aims to integrate current post-quantum schemes in one library: liboqs. liboqs is an open source C "C (programming language)") library for quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. It initially focuses on key exchange algorithms but by now includes several signature schemes. It provides a common API suitable for post-quantum key exchange algorithms, and [...] Provided one uses sufficiently large key sizes, the symmetric key cryptographic systems like AES and SNOW 3G are already resistant to attack by a quantum computer. Further, key management systems and protocols that use symmetric key cryptography instead of public key cryptography like Kerberos "Kerberos (protocol)") and the 3GPP Mobile Network Authentication Structure are also inherently secure against attack by a quantum computer. Given its widespread deployment in the world already, some