Post Quantum Cryptography in Computer Network

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC), also known as quantum-resistant cryptography, is a branch of cryptography. It is also protected against quantum computer attacks. Quantum computers are a new type of computer that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to carry out calculations. Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that researches the nature of matter at the infinitesimal and subatomic positions.

Quantum computers are still in their early era of development, but they have the potential to be faster than conventional computer systems at running on certain sorts of troubles. such a trouble is integer factorization.

Why is Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Important?

PQC is important because it is very important to protect our sensitive data from attacks by quantum computers. Quantum computers are still in their early stages but still they have got the eventuality to be more faster than conventional computer systems at working on different forms of problems, which include integer factorization.

Still, it would be suitable to break numerous of the cryptographic algorithms that are presently used to cover sensitive records, if a quantum pc were vital sufficient to aspect big figures successfully. this can have extreme implications for the safety of computer networks, financial transactions, and different online sports.

How Does PQC Work?

PQC algorithms use mathematical problems that are hard for both classical and quantum computers to solve.

Some common PQC approaches are mentioned here:

• Lattice-based cryptography: Lattices are geometric objects that are made up of points. Lattice-based cryptographic algorithms are designed to be hard for quantum computers to solve because they require the manipulation of high-dimensional lattices.

• Code-based cryptography: Code-based cryptography is based on the mathematical properties of error-correcting codes. Error-correcting codes are used to detect and correct errors in data transmission. Code-based cryptographic algorithms are designed to be hard for quantum computers to because they require the interpreting of high-rate codes.

• Multivariate cryptography: this is based on solving systems of multivariate polynomial equations.

• Isogeny-based cryptography: Isogeny-based cryptography is based on the mathematical properties of isogenies. Isogeny-based cryptographic algorithms are designed to be delicate for quant. computers to break because they need the computation of brief vectors in lattices. Isogeny-based cryptography is still under development.

• Hash-based cryptography: Hash-based cryptography is based on the mathematical properties of cryptographic hash functions. Hash-based cryptographic algorithms are designed to be delicate for quantum computers to break due to the fact they need the collision resistance of cryptographic hash functions. Hash functions are also collision-resistant, which means that it is delicate to discover two inputs that produce the same hash.

Symmetric key quantum resistance

Symmetric key quantum resistance is the functionality of a symmetric key encryption algorithm to repel attacks from a quant computer. Symmetric key encryption algorithms use an equal key to encrypt and decrypt data. This makes them less difficult to use and more efficient than public key encryption algorithms. Quantum computers should potentially be used to break symmetric key encryption algorithms by performing brute-force attacks faster than traditional computers. still, the power of a symmetric key encryption algorithm is determined by the length of the key. By using sufficiently lengthy keys, it’s possible to make symmetric key encryption algorithms resistant to attacks from quantum computers.

PQC in Computer Networks

PQC can be used to shield computer networks from attacks by quantum computers. For illustration, PQC can be used to encrypt network site visitors, and secure digital signatures.

Some examples of how PQC may be used in computer networks

• Cracking network visitors: PQC can be used to encrypt network traffic, much like HTTPS traffic and VPN traffic. This would defend the site visitors from being intercepted and decrypted by a quantum computer.

• Securing digital signatures: PQC can be used to secure digital signatures. PQC would protect digital signatures from being forged by a quantum computer.

• Protecting authentication protocols: PQC can be used to protect authentication protocols, such as TLS and Kerberos. Authentication protocols are used to verify the identity of users and machines. PQC would protect authentication protocols from being compromised by a quant computer.

Security Reductions in PQC

Security reduction is a way of proving the security of a cryptographic algorithm by reducing its security to the security of a well-studied mathematical problem. For instance, the safety of the AES symmetric encryption algorithm can be decreased to the difficulty of solving the discrete logarithm problem. still, it’s vital to note that security reductions are only as strong as the underpinning mathematical problem. However, also the security of the PQC algorithm could be compromised If a new attack is discovered against the underpinning mathematical problem.

Many PQC algorithms work well with standard cryptographic reductions. This means that if a quantum computer were to be suitable to break a PQC algorithm, it would also be suitable to break a well-studied mathematical problem, similar to the lattice problem or the code problem.

FAQs on Post Quantum Cryptography

Q.1: When will quantum computers be powerful enough to break current cryptographic algorithms?

Answer:

It is hard to say when quant computers will be powerful enough to break current cryptographic algorithms. still, some experts believe that it could be within the coming decade.

Q.2: What are the challenges of enforcing PQC?

Answer:

One of the challenges of enforcing PQC is that it can be delicate to apply PQC algorithms in existing systems. PQC algorithms may not be compatible with all being systems.