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Introduction
Post-quantum cryptography, commonly referred to as quantum encryption, is the creation of cryptographic algorithms for conventional computers that can thwart assaults from quantum computers. Many of our current cryptographic techniques can be broken by a new computer currently being built. We must therefore create new algorithms that will work on our current computers and are secure against those computers.
Quantum Computer
Quantum computers are devices that store data and carry out calculations using the principles of quantum physics. This can be pretty helpful for some tasks because they might accomplish them far better than our most significant supercomputers.
Traditional computers, such as laptops and smartphones, encode information using binary "bits" that can only be either Os or Is. The fundamental memory component of a quantum computer is a quantum bit or qubit.
Physical systems, such as an electron's spin or a photon's direction, are used to create qubits. Quantum superposition is the ability of these systems to exist simultaneously in various configurations. Quantum entanglement, a phenomenon, can also be used to connect qubits indisputably. As a result, a group of qubits can simultaneously represent several things.
For instance, a traditional computer can represent any number between 0 and 255 using just eight bits. However, a quantum computer can simultaneously represent all 256 numbers between 0 and 255 with just eight qubits. More numbers could be represented by a few hundred.
Quantum Cryptography
Encrypting data, or turning plain text into scrambled information, makes it such that only a person with the proper "key" may decode it. By extension, quantum cryptography is the process of encrypting data and transmitting it securely using quantum mechanics concepts.
The difficulty of quantum cryptography resides in the quantum mechanical concepts that underlie it, which include:
● The universe's constituent particles are intrinsically ambiguous and capable of being in multiple locations or states simultaneously.
● There are two quantum states in which photons can be generated at random.
● A quantum property cannot be measured without being altered or disturbed.
● A particle's quantum properties can be duplicated, but not the entire particle.
Qubit
A quantum computer uses " qubits " instead of conventional bits. A qubit has a probability of being either 1 or 0, typically represented as a unit vector in three dimensions, as opposed to traditional bits, which can only be either 0 or 1. Qubits are composed of several entangled bits rather than just one, giving them their strength. You can force these qubits to quickly adopt the state of your answer if you can create an algorithm that causes these qubits to interfere with one another in solving your problem.
Difference between Post-quantum Cryptography and Quantum Cryptography
Post-quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic techniques that are believed to be secure against a quantum computer attack (often public-key algorithms). Solving these problematic mathematical equations can take typical computers months or even years. However, quantum computers running Shor's algorithm will instantly break math-based systems.
Quantum cryptography, as opposed to mathematical encryption, employs the laws of quantum mechanics to encrypt data and render it almost impenetrable.
Impact of Quantum Computing on Cryptography
Two of the most famous cryptographic algorithms now in use for data protection operate differently:
Symmetric algorithms
Data is encrypted and decrypted by symmetric algorithms using the same secret key.
Asymmetric algorithms
The public key and private key are two keys that are used in asymmetric algorithms, also referred to as public key algorithms.
Working on Quantum Cryptography
Data is transmitted from one site to another across a fiber optic cable using a succession of photons (light particles) in quantum cryptography, also known as quantum key distribution. The two endpoints can determine the key and if it is secure to use by comparing measurements of the characteristics of a fraction of these photons.
It is easier to understand a process after it has been further broken down.
1. Photons are sent via a polarizer or filter that, at random, assigns them one of four possible polarizations and bit designations: vertical (one bit), horizontal (zero bit), 45-degree right (one bit), or 45-degree left (Zero bit).
2. The photons arrive at a receiver, where two beam splitters—one horizontal/vertical and one diagonal—are used to "read" the polarization of each photon. To determine which beam splitter to employ for each photon, the receiver must make a guess.
3. The sender verifies the receiver's information with the order of polarizers used to send the key after the stream of photons has been sent. The receiver informs the sender which beam splitter was utilized for each photon in the transmitted sequence. The sequence of bits that results from discarding the photons that were read with the incorrect beam splitter becomes the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the threat quantum computing poses to current cryptography?
If and when a powerful enough quantum computer is developed, several of the present cryptographic techniques used to do business online, communicate securely and digitally sign transactions will be weak. An adversary might be able to decrypt a document and read or forge it if they can utilize a quantum computer to locate the cryptographic key used in these crypto operations.
Why is post-quantum cryptography crucial for my company at this time? Why are we required to start planning now?
Large-scale cryptographic technology transfers are complex and time-consuming. When a cryptographically relevant computer is produced, your company will be secure thanks to your preparation for this shift in fundamental security capabilities. The crucial first step is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
What steps are we taking right now to safeguard our data from quantum computers in the future?
Prepare for your transition first. NIST and DHS will collaborate on several programs to help businesses prepare. Understanding the requirements for future-proofing the security of encrypted information delivered over insecure networks and ensuring your post-quantum transition is prioritized appropriately are essential components of this strategy. Some standards can be used for highly particular demands and use cases.
Conclusion
In this article, we have extensively discussed the details of Post-Quantum Cryptography along with the details of Quantum Computers, the Impact of Quantum Computing, and the working of Quantum computing.
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