Post-quantum cryptography and the standards defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) represent an innovative benchmark for designing security systems resilient to the threats of quantum computing. However, the transition to new post-quantum cryptographic protocols presents significant technological and organizational challenges that must be addressed through a coordinated approach between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.
Quantum Proof: What is this innovative security solution?
Post-quantum cryptography, known as PQC, represents an innovative security solution to address the quantum threat. Indeed, the security of public-key cryptography, on which secure communication protocols like TLS are based today, is threatened by the advent of quantum computers, which are capable of breaking current cryptographic schemes.
Post-quantum cryptography is a response to this challenge, addressing the design of public-key cryptographic schemes on systems and algorithms designed to identify and notify potential quantum attacks (implemented by supercomputers with computing power n times greater than current ones). Between 2017 and 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology defined and analyzed new cryptographic proposals in the field of post-quantum cryptography, which led to the standardization of algorithms for the negotiation of post-quantum digital keys and signatures. The design of cybersecurity solutions requires the adoption of post-quantum cryptography to address the threat of quantum computers and ensure the long-term security of communications, infrastructure, and systems. This transition represents a challenge that requires the joint contribution of research and industry.
Post-quantum cryptography: The Challenges of Adopting PQC
The adoption of post-quantum cryptography presents several challenges for operators of cybersecurity networks and systems. One of the main challenges is the need to consider the impact that the introduction of post-quantum cryptography solutions may have on existing network protocols.
The numerous cryptographic schemes identified as suitable for standardization present heterogeneous characteristics involving variables such as key size, size of encrypted and digitally signed data, computational requirements, and impacts on bandwidth and latency. The systematic increase in key and digital signature sizes in post-quantum cryptography proposals will inevitably have repercussions on transmitted data packets, introducing greater latency and requiring more bandwidth.
These impacts on existing networks, devices, and protocols must be carefully evaluated to ensure compatibility and performance. Routers and other network devices may not be able to handle larger data packets, resulting in packet loss and increased fragmentation. Cybersecurity network design must therefore take these variables into account to ensure a smooth transition to post-quantum cryptography standards. A further challenge is the increased computational requirements of some cryptographic proposals.
The increased costs in terms of time and energy could significantly impact resource-constrained systems, such as IoT and embedded systems. For these reasons, research is focusing on developing algorithmic, software, and hardware optimizations to meet the requirements of increasingly faster connections. Only a multi-layered approach involving applied research and industry professionals can ensure the transition to new quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions while minimizing network and data security risks.
Quantum-proof encryption: all the benefits for companies
The implementation of quantum-resistant cryptographic schemes offers numerous advantages for companies. Post-quantum cryptography techniques ensure long-lasting protection of data and digital transactions, even in the face of the advent of powerful quantum computers. This allows companies to prevent long-term cybersecurity risks by protecting critical information that could be compromised by delayed attacks.
Key management, electronic signature, and encryption systems based on quantum-proof cryptographic standards allow maintaining high levels of security and legal protection of corporate data for many years, regardless of future developments in quantum computing. This is especially essential for highly regulated sectors such as banking, finance, and insurance, where regulatory compliance and long-term data confidentiality are essential requirements.
Furthermore, the timely adoption of post-quantum cryptographic techniques allows companies to confidently navigate the complex process of technological transition to these new solutions, minimizing the risk of vulnerability during phases of change. This flexibility is particularly important for large companies with complex IT infrastructures, which can take advantage of extended timeframes to implement systemic changes. Finally, investing in the design of advanced cryptographic systems based on post-quantum standards allows companies to gain a competitive advantage in the future, where post-quantum cryptography will become the new normal for protecting digital transactions. This commitment to innovative solutions ensures greater trust from customers, partners, and investors.
