Postkvanttilukitus

Postkvanttilukitus, or post-quantum cryptography (PQC), refers to cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. While current classical computers are unable to break widely used encryption methods like RSA and ECC, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could do so. PQC aims to develop new cryptographic schemes that are secure against both classical and quantum computers.

The development of PQC is motivated by the potential threat that quantum computers pose to existing secure communication and data storage. Researchers are exploring various mathematical problems that are believed to be difficult for quantum computers to solve, such as those related to lattices, codes, multivariate polynomials, and hash functions. Several standardization efforts are underway, most notably by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to identify and standardize PQC algorithms.

The transition to PQC is a complex process. It requires not only the development and standardization of new algorithms but also their implementation and deployment across various systems and protocols. This transition needs to be carefully managed to ensure continued security and interoperability. The timeline for widespread adoption is still uncertain, as the development of practical quantum computers is also an ongoing area of research. Nevertheless, proactive research and preparation for post-quantum cryptography are considered essential for future cybersecurity.