postkvantum

Postkvantum is a term used to describe the era of computing after the advent of powerful quantum computers capable of breaking current asymmetric cryptography algorithms. These algorithms, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography, are widely used to secure online communications, financial transactions, and sensitive data. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer, leveraging algorithms like Shor's algorithm, could efficiently factor large numbers or solve the discrete logarithm problem, rendering these cryptographic methods obsolete and vulnerable to decryption.

The development of postkvantum cryptography, also known as quantum-resistant cryptography, is a proactive effort to create new cryptographic algorithms that are secure against both classical and quantum computers. Researchers are exploring various mathematical problems believed to be hard for both types of computers, including lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, hash-based cryptography, and multivariate polynomial cryptography. The goal is to transition to these new standards before quantum computers reach a level of capability that poses a widespread security threat. Standardization efforts, such as those led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), are underway to select and formalize the most promising postkvantum algorithms. The transition to postkvantum cryptography is a complex process involving significant research, development, and deployment challenges to ensure the continued security of digital infrastructure.