Post-quantum cryptography

Abstract

Post-quantum Cryptography discusses the need for a new generation of cryptography to protect against future quantum computers. The underlying mathematical concept is a one-way function that makes it easy to encrypt but challenging to decrypt without a secret. However, future quantum computers will likely be able to reverse many of these one-way functions that are widely used and allow the calculation of the secret needed to decrypt the data. Four algorithms believed safe against quantum computing were published in July 2022. Switching to quantum-safe algorithms is critical for data that must remain secret for years. For all other data, ensuring that systems are at least crypto-agile (migration path exists) or already support hybrid algorithms is crucial.