Imagine a world in which the digital backbone of our civilization is in danger, where powerful computers can readily decode sensitive data, and where the encrypted messages you send are no longer secure. Although it may sound like a gloomy future, the development of quantum computing has made it possible. Our best protection against this impending danger is quantum-resistant cryptography, which ensures that our data is safe even with never-before-seen computer power. In this blog, we will examine the fundamentals of quantum computing, investigate the weaknesses in our cryptographic systems, and talk about how we can be protected by quantum-resistant encryption.
Understanding Quantum Computing
There is a big difference between quantum computing and the current generation of classical computers. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which may represent and process a 0 and a 1 simultaneously because of a phenomenon known as superposition. Classical computers process information in bits (0s and 1s). Furthermore, qubits can entangle, implying that regardless of their distance from one another, the states of two qubits are directly connected. Because of this, quantum computers can solve difficult problems at speeds that are unthinkable for classical computers.
The capacity of quantum computing to handle several calculations at once gives it its power. Because of this parallelism, quantum computers can solve problems that would take classical computers millennia to solve. However, this power also significantly threatens our current cryptographic systems.
The Threat to Current Cryptography
Cryptographic algorithms like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and RSA provide the foundation of modern digital security. They safeguard sensitive data, financial transactions, and conversations. For example, RSA and ECC rely on the complexity of computing discrete logarithms or factoring big prime numbers—problems that are tough for classical computers to handle.
Herein lies Shor’s algorithm, a quantum algorithm capable of solving these issues efficiently. Shor’s method can factor huge numbers tenfold quicker than the most well-known classical algorithms, making ECC and RSA insecure. Similarly, symmetric key methods like AES can have their security cut in half by Grover’s algorithm, another quantum algorithm. This implies that an AES 256-bit key could be reduced to a 128-bit key, making it vulnerable to brute-force attacks by quantum computers.
According to experts, quantum computers may progress to the point where they might crack these cryptographic systems in the next ten years. In light of this emerging threat, quantum-resistant cryptography must be developed and implemented.
Quantum-Resistant Cryptography: What is it?
Post-quantum cryptography, or quantum-resistant cryptography, describes cryptographic techniques that are safe from the power of quantum computers. In contrast to existing ones, quantum-resistant algorithms are made to withstand quantum computers’ potent problem-solving capabilities.
Lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptography are the primary methods used in quantum-resistant encryption. These methods are based on mathematical puzzles that are challenging for quantum computers to solve now. To maintain security, the objective is to create algorithms that can supplement or replace our current cryptography systems.
Leading Quantum-Resistant Algorithms
Lattice-Based Cryptography
One of the most promising areas of quantum-resistant cryptography is lattice-based cryptography. It involves intricate configurations called lattices, which are multidimensional point frameworks resembling grids. It is thought that lattice-based encryption problems, such as the Shortest Vector issue (SVP) and the Learning With Errors (LWE) issue, are immune to quantum assaults. Due to their efficiency and versatility, lattice-based techniques are interesting for a variety of cryptographic applications, such as digital signatures and encryption.
Cryptography Based on Hash Values
The foundation of hash-based cryptography is utilizing cryptographic hash functions’ security. The Merkle Signature approach, which uses hash functions to produce digital signatures, is one well-known hash-based approach. Hash-based encryption is especially attractive because of its ease of use and the robust security guarantees offered by well-known hash functions. That being said, it is more appropriate for specialized uses than universal encryption, such as digital signatures.
Cryptography Based on Codes
The foundation of code-based encryption is error-correcting codes. The most well-known code-based system is the McEliece cryptosystem, which is still considered safe from quantum assaults despite withstanding more than 40 years of cryptanalysis. Code-based schemes are a good choice for secure communication because of their reputation for reliability and effectiveness in encryption and decryption procedures.
Multivariate Polynomial Cryptography
Solving systems of multivariate polynomial equations is the basis of multivariate polynomial cryptography. It is believed that these issues are challenging for classical and quantum computers. Multivariate polynomial cryptography includes schemes like Unbalanced Oil and Vinegar (UOV) and Rainbow signatures, which provide safe digital signatures and additional cryptographic features.
In summary, the need for quantum-resistant cryptography is greater than ever as we approach the era of quantum computing. The possible dangers that quantum computers pose to the cryptography technologies we currently use could have a significant impact on digital security. We can protect our data and communications for the future by being aware of the fundamentals of quantum computing, identifying the flaws in current cryptography, and getting ready to put quantum-resistant solutions into practice.
Security, AI Risk Management, and Compliance with Akitra!
In the competitive landscape of SaaS businesses, trust is paramount amidst data breaches and privacy concerns. Akitra addresses this need with its leading AI-powered Compliance Automation platform. Our platform empowers customers to prevent sensitive data disclosure and mitigate risks, meeting the expectations of customers and partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of data security and compliance. Through automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring, paired with customizable policies, Akitra ensures organizations are compliance-ready for various frameworks such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, FedRAMP, CCPA, CMMC, SOX ITGC, Australian ISM and ACSC’s Essential Eight and more. Akitra offers a comprehensive suite, including Risk Management using FAIR and NIST-based qualitative methods, Vulnerability Assessment, Pen Testing, Trust Center, and an AI-based Automated Questionnaire Response product for streamlined security processes and significant cost savings. Our experts provide tailored guidance throughout the compliance journey, and Akitra Academy offers short video courses on essential security and compliance topics for fast-growing companies.
Our solution offers substantial time and cost savings, including discounted audit fees, enabling fast and cost-effective compliance certification. Customers achieve continuous compliance as they grow, becoming certified under multiple frameworks through a single automation platform.
Build customer trust. Choose Akitra TODAY!
To book your FREE DEMO, contact us right here.
