The Advantages of Quantum Safe Cryptography

Quantum-safe cryptography refers to attempts to develop systems resilient against assaults by both classical and quantum computers to safeguard data even after constructing a large-scale quantum computer.

Many routine procedures are made more secure with the use of cryptography. It helps protect your data and confirm your identity when you send emails, make online purchases, or withdraw money from an ATM.

The challenge of locating the proper cryptographic keys or codes or the complexity of solving certain arithmetic problems with classical computers enhances modern cryptography algorithms. However, quantum computers operate differently. A sufficiently big quantum computer may solve a problem that would typically take millions of years on a conventional computer in hours or minutes, which will hugely influence the public key, hashing, and encryption techniques we now employ. Quantum-safe cryptography can be used in this situation.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computers employ quantum bits, or qubits, rather than the conventional bit of a 1 or 0. (CUE-bits). A traditional processor uses bits to carry out its functions. Qubits are used by a quantum computer to execute multidimensional quantum computations. The superposition of qubit groups can provide intricate, multidimensional computational landscapes. In these settings, complex issues may be expressed in novel ways. This increases the number of calculations and creates new opportunities to address difficult issues that traditional computers cannot address.

Quantum computing can be applied in the medical sector to fasten the discovery of new medicine. Its capability to solve complex math equations also powers cryptographic algorithms.

Quantum-Safe Encryption Algorithms

Presently, there are two major types of encryption algorithms. They work in different ways to protect data. They include;

Symmetric algorithms

Systematic algorithms employ the same secret key to decrypt and encrypt data.

Asymmetric algorithms

Asymmetric algorithms utilize two mathematically related keys ( a public key and a private key) to encrypt data. This algorithm is also referred to as the public key algorithm.

Public key cryptography underwent a major leap in the 1970s, opening up brand-new channels for secure communication. Public key algorithms, however, are susceptible to quantum assaults since their power comes on how difficult it is to factor in huge numbers or solve the discrete log problem. With asymmetric or public key cryptography, there is a need for new systems that will withstand quantum attacks because today's public key algorithms will be completely broken. As discovered by mathematician Peter Shor, these types of problems can be solved very quickly using a sufficiently powerful quantum computer.

The advantages of algorithms based on several branches of mathematics are clear. For instance, it is broadly acknowledged that the most secure algorithms for digital signatures use hash-based cryptography. Conversely, isogeny-based key exchanges have the smallest key sizes, whereas lattice-based key exchanges are the quickest.

Another benefit of using algorithms from several branches of mathematics is that post-quantum cryptography is not doomed even if a flaw is discovered in one kind of algorithm. Hybrid cryptography techniques allow developers to combine two methods from two distinct fields to produce even more powerful public keys.

Importance of Quantum Safe Cryptography

Quantum-safe cryptography and security serve the following functions:

• Encrypting military and government communications
• Securing financial and banking data
• Ensuring the confidentiality of hospital records
• Protecting personal data stored in the cloud
• Preventing unauthorized access to corporate networks