quantumfriendly

Quantumfriendly refers to a system, algorithm, or approach that is designed to remain secure or functional even in the presence of powerful quantum computers. The development of quantum computers poses a significant threat to current cryptographic standards, as they are capable of solving certain mathematical problems that underpin much of today's encryption much faster than classical computers.

The primary concern is that quantum computers could break widely used public-key cryptosystems, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which are essential for secure online communication, digital signatures, and data protection. Quantumfriendly cryptography, also known as post-quantum cryptography (PQC), aims to develop new cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks from both classical and quantum computers.

Research in quantumfriendly cryptography explores various mathematical approaches, including lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, hash-based cryptography, and multivariate polynomial cryptography. These methods rely on mathematical problems that are believed to be computationally intractable for quantum algorithms. The standardization of these new algorithms is an ongoing process, with organizations like the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) actively evaluating and selecting quantum-resistant cryptographic standards to ensure future digital security. Adopting quantumfriendly solutions is seen as a crucial step in mitigating the risks associated with the eventual advent of fault-tolerant quantum computers.