Quantum Security: Reinventing Data Protection in 2023

Security protocols and systems developed to protect against future quantum computers are part of a market called quantum security. With algorithms like Shor’s algorithm, quantum computers can compromise traditional cryptographic methods, which rely on math problems that are difficult for traditional computers to solve.

There is growing concern about the potential threat of quantum computing to existing data protection systems as they evolve. To overcome this, researchers and experts are developing new cryptographic techniques that can withstand the attacks of quantum computers to overcome this problem.

(H2) What is Quantum Security and How Does it Work?

A branch of cybersecurity known as quantum security, also called quantum cryptography, quantum security protects sensitive information from attack by risks posed by future quantum computers. Some complex math problems can be solved much faster with a quantum computer, which can leave many traditional cryptographic algorithms vulnerable. These algorithms include Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). The main difference between RSA and ECC is that the former relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers, while the latter relies on the difficulty of solving discrete logarithms on elliptic curves. It is hoped to solve this problem on large-scale quantum computers running Shor’s algorithm, posing a significant security threat to these systems.

The goal of post-quantum cryptography is to design cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. This is in contrast to QKD which allows partners to securely exchange encryption keys. The security of QKD is guaranteed by the basic principles of quantum mechanics and requires special hardware/technology to be implemented. PQC (post-quantum cryptography), on the other hand, is a type of cryptographic algorithm (usually a public key algorithm) that is considered secure against cryptanalytic attacks by quantum computers.

nature papers, Organizational transition to post-quantum cryptographypublished in 2022, presents organizational perspectives on the PQC transition and is recommended for reading.

(H2) Quantum Security versus Traditional Data Transfer Security

Quantum security uses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide fundamentally secure data transfer security, overrides traditional computational complexity assumptions and offers a stronger defense against attacks. However, quantum security protocols are still in the early stages of development and are not yet widely used. Although traditional security methods continue to play an important role in securing data transfers, their viability in the quantum computing era is uncertain.

(H3) What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

In quantum key distribution (QKD), the cryptographic keys are distributed securely between two parties, usually referred to as Alice and Bob for explanation purposes. To ensure tamper-resistant key exchange, it uses quantum mechanical principles such as quantum entanglement and the no-clone theorem. QKD is able to detect eavesdropping attempts by encoding information in a quantum state, such as the polarization of a photon. If the quantum bit is disturbed, Alice and Bob will be able to detect this error and thus create a secure key. Using QKD, an intercept-resistant secret key can be generated.

(H3) Quantum Resistant Encryption (Post Quantum Encryption)

Quantum resilient encryption algorithms, also known as post-quantum encryption, are cryptographic algorithms designed to fight future attacks on quantum computers. Post-quantum encryption algorithms rely on mathematical problems that classical and quantum computers are believed to be difficult to solve. There are many types of post-quantum encryption algorithms, such as lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, multivariate polynomial cryptography and hash-based cryptography. Even if an adversary has access to large-scale quantum computers in the future, these algorithms aim to ensure security.

Post-quantum encryption standards are being developed and adopted continuously. Standardization bodies in the United States, such as NIST, are currently evaluating several algorithms. As we move into the world of quantum computing, NIST and other government agencies around the world are working tirelessly to identify a suitable set of post-quantum encryption algorithms that can replace existing cryptographic standards and ensure long-term security.

Despite increasing awareness among security professionals, post-quantum encryption has not been widely used in practice due to the complexity of the transition from traditional to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. Nevertheless, organizations should scrutinize their cryptographic systems and develop strategies to move to quantum-resistant encryption when the time comes in preparation for the post-quantum era.

(H2) Practical Implementation to Combat Future Cryptographic Attacks

There are several practical implementations that might combat cryptographic attacks in the future, one of which is quantum key distribution (QKD), which enables the secure exchange of cryptographic keys between parties, mentioned above. As another application, quantum-resistant cryptography focuses on developing algorithms that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, quantum security holds promise for protecting sensitive information.

(H3) Challenges and Limitations in Quantum Security Implementation

Due to the unique nature of quantum systems, quantum security poses several challenges and limitations. To get started, let’s look at some of the challenges and limitations:

• The complexity of today’s technology requires special skills for its development, implementation and maintenance.
• The improvement of quantum security systems is another significant challenge. Quantum key distribution protocol (QKD) requires special hardware and infrastructure. Quantum communication becomes more and more challenging as the number of users and the distance between them increases.
• Due to the intrinsic nature of the quantum state, the QKD system has a limited range, because the transmission of quantum information can easily result in tiny particles such as photons being absorbed, scattered, or lost. Therefore, nowadays it is necessary to use trusted nodes or repeaters to extend the range of secure quantum communication.
• Another barrier to universal adoption of the technology is the cost of quantum security technology and its accessibility to the general public, which is currently expensive or seen as an unnecessary cost for some organizations. Quantum key distribution devices, quantum random number generators, or quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions can cost thousands of dollars.
• Finally, for widespread adoption, interoperability and standardization across multiple quantum security systems and protocols is essential. Nonetheless, achieving universal standards and compatibility remains a challenge due to the diversity of quantum technologies and ongoing research and development.

While these challenges and limitations remain, ongoing research in quantum security is aimed at addressing these issues and paving the way for the practical application of quantum-secure cryptography solutions and secure quantum communication networks.

(H2) Will Quantum Computing Create a Security Threat?

An increasing number of researchers and cryptographers are working to develop quantum-resistant algorithms that are impervious to quantum computer attacks. Even in the presence of quantum technology, these algorithms are designed to withstand the computing power of both classical and quantum computers.

Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, highlighted in an interview at the Economist Impact event in London in 2022, the fact that the industry needs to move away from RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), an asymmetric encryption technique that uses two different keys as a public and private key to perform encryption and decryption, all the way to post-RSA, and realized that after decades of using it, it’s time to save now, decrypt laterknown by its acronym as SNDL.

It is important to note that despite the potential security threats that quantum computing poses to current cryptographic systems, quantum-resistant algorithms are being developed to overcome this problem. Governments and organizations should monitor the progress of quantum computing and prepare for its potential security implications.

To find out more about quantum security and the threats it may pose to society, please see The Quantum Insider’s 2023 Quantum Security Report, which provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the size of the quantum security market and key players in the growing quantum security ecosystem looking for solutions to security. and privacy in what experts call the post-quantum cryptographic era.

Featured image: Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay