Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

What is post-quantum cryptography?

Post-Quantum Cryptography is being researched as an alternative to traditional cryptographic algorithms that could be broken by future quantum computers.

NSA continues to evaluate encryption solutions to protect data transmission on national security systems. However, they do not recommend using quantum key distribution and quantum cryptography to secure data transmission in national security systems. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum cryptography (QC) utilize the properties of quantum mechanical systems to generate cryptographic keys and perform communication. These techniques may be able to detect eavesdropping, but are highly implementation dependent and not guaranteed by the laws of physics.

Therefore, in order to provide security for future quantum computers, demonstration experiments are being conducted in various countries led by the United States and new quantum-resistant algorithms are being developed. In July 2022, four public key cryptographic algorithms will be designated as PQC, and it is expected to be established as a FIPS Note 2 standardization document by 2024. The main components are listed below.

Expected Critical Components:

According to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), the quantum-resistant algorithms selected are based on mathematical problems that are difficult to solve on either conventional or quantum computers. NIST says the following about these four algorithms: ・CRYSTALS-Kyber

・CRYSTALS-Dilithium

・FALCON

・SPHINCS+ According to NIST, Kyber, Dilithium, and FALCON are based on a series of mathematical problems called structured lattices, while SPHINCS+ uses hash functions.

Expectations as a Practical Application:

These post-quantum cryptography systems, CRYSTALS-Kyber, are expected to significantly improve the security of key agreement algorithms, and CRYSTALS-Dilithium and FALCON are expected to significantly improve the security of digital signature algorithms.

https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/post-quantum-cryptography/post-quantum-cryptography-standardization