How can we protect classical cryptography from quantum attacks?

Companies will need to modernise to Post Quantum Cryptography. These are classical algorithms being developed right now through NIST, designed to be resistant from quantum attacks (e.g. not susceptible to Shor's algorithm). Transforming to PQC however comes in many steps and will take most companies at least a decade: - Inventory Management - Software selection - Crypto-agility - Post Quantum Cryptography There will not be a single solution here but multiple. Hence crypto-agility is a concept companies need to get familiar with.

It is predicted that by 2030, hackers using quantum computers will be able to access confidential information protected by classical secure algorithms. Switching from classical to quantum secure algorithms is the key to avoid such a situation. Classical algorithms, whether hash-based or lattice-based, can be broken by using Shor's and Grover's algorithm rather easily. The algorithms selected by NIST which are mostly lattice-based, like Dilithium and Falcon, but also Hash-based, have proven to be secure even against quantum attacks ie. attacks using quantum computers.

Criptografia resistente a quantum é uma linha de pesquisa que vem sendo explorada pensando nas amea?as que alguns algoritmos quanticos trazem a alguns protocolos de criptografia utilizados hoje. é importante dizer que esses novos protocolos precisam ser robustos contra futuros ataques clássicos e quanticos, mas devem ser testados exaustivamente. A competi??o no NIST desde 2016 tem sido fundamental para encontrar os protocolos vencedores, mas precisamos ter calma e esperar. Alguns desses protocolos, mesmo em estágio muito avan?ado de testes, foram quebrados usando computadores tradicionais. Estamos avan?ando, mas n?o podemos por em risco a seguran?a hoje em prol de uma potencial seguran?a no futuro. Minha dica é acompanhar o desenvolvimento.

the idea of quantum-resistant cryptography is to use a mathematical problem that will be a challenge for quantum computers. We need to remember that when traditional methods of cryptography were created the computational power was very low, despite that they did a very nice job since these methods work until today. NIST is working since 2016 to certify algorithms that are resistant to quantum computers, one point is that some algorithms are more costly to use than the traditional method and this could impact financial services for instance. So we need better methods that are not that costly and we need to find a threshold between them.

The rise of quantum computing threatens classical cryptography. Shor's algorithm breaks public key encryption and signature algorithms; while Grover's algorithm weakens symmetric encryption by reducing key strength (security level). 3 solutions are there, 1. Classical-Quantum Resistant Cryptography (PQC) (lattice-based, code-based, and hash-based schemes) 2. Quantum-Quantum Cryptography (QKD) (secure key exchange using quantum principles). 3. Hybrid - PQC+ QKD, PQC+QRNG Ex. QRNG (seed) + ChaCha20 for Secure Messaging Application-Utilizing QRNG for generating unpredictable seed and ChaCha20 for encryption ensures secure and private messaging, protecting sensitive conversations from eavesdropping and unauthorized access. #quantumcomputing

1. Alice chooses a polarization sequence randomly and sends her message 2. Bob chooses another random polarization sequence and receives it 3. Eve (intruder) can sit between the two and with her chosen polarization, tries to intercept Alice's messages But, luckily due to Quantum no cloning theorem, any effort to tweak a quantum state before measurement will alter its originality. So, upon detecting eve, Alice & Bob discards the message and tries again. Thus, QKD = Quantum powered secure key distribution, safe from MITM attack But, to share a key of size n, message size >= 4n+€, (€=parity/additional bits), 4n is because 25% chances are there to get a matched polarization sequence of Alice, Bob and Eve for each bit. Hope this helps!

The great thing about QKD is it is much more mature than quantum computers. Right now HSBC are distributing quantum keys between it's head office in Canary Wharf to a data centre in slough some 60 km away. Whilst the solution benefits from information-theoretic security, there are still some areas that need to be assessed like Man In The Middle Attacks and DDoS attacks. However, Quantum Communication is one of the most elegant applications of quantum physics and is why I did my PhD in experimental QKD back in 2005.

Using QKD allows two parties to generate and share a cryptographic key securely. The security of QKD stems from the quantum property that observing a quantum state inherently alters it. Any eavesdropping attempt on the key during transmission can be detected, as it will introduce anomalies in the quantum states used for key generation. Combining QKD with classical encryption methods, a secure communication channel can be established, where the classical part handles the data encryption using the key, and the quantum part ensures that the key exchange is secure against quantum attacks. This hybrid approach can fortify existing cryptographic systems, making them more resilient to the threats posed by quantum computing advancements.

Recent advances in quantum cryptography include: 1. Multi-output Quantum Pulse Gate (mQPG): for enhanced QKD security and efficiency by using a larger photon color composition alphabet. 2. Secure quantum communication: now achievable over 1,000+ kilometers, expanding potential network reach. 3. Special research on Quantum cryptography: A special issue in "Photonics" highlighted the ongoing efforts to tackle quantum cryptography challenges, including quantum key distribution, quantum networks, quantum repeaters, and measures against quantum hacking. It emphasized the need for more research to bridge the gap between theory and practical implementations.

Most of the current limitations of commercially available QKDs are solved by evolutionQ's flagship software, BasejumpQDN. Our KMS runs between the QKDNs and applications such as VPNs, link encryptors, etc. 1. It provides a consistent ETSI-014 interface to applications. 2. Enables experimentations with complex QKD networks with interoperability, resiliency and fault tolerancy. 3. Buffers give operational teams time to recover from failures with configurable alerts. 4. Expands distances with the implementation of virtual links. 5. Observability capabilities to monitor, learn performance factors, and trace fine tuning strategies and much more. With BasejumpSIM you can experiment with these optimizations without hardware.

To fortify classical cryptography against quantum attacks, adopting hybrid cryptography, or quantum-enhanced cryptography, stands out as a compelling strategy. This approach harmoniously integrates both quantum-resistant and quantum cryptography, capitalizing on the strengths of each. Hybrid cryptography employs quantum cryptography for secure key generation and distribution, seamlessly transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography for data encryption and decryption. This strategy combines the benefits of high security, low complexity, and compatibility. While flexible and scalable, it necessitates careful consideration of trade-offs and coordination aspects like key management, synchronization, and interoperability.

Consider the following: 1) The first cohort of PQC algorithms have already been selected by NIST, but that doesn't mean every software application is designed so that you can swap out their existing classical encryption for one of the PQC algorithms 2) Making use of QKD requires that you have access to quantum computing capability yourselves; most enterprises (especially SMEs) wont have this access, but still need to protect themselves against quantum attacks 3) Even if every application in your IT stack supported the transition to PQC now, it would be impossible to migrate an entire IT estate at the same time. The reality is that every real-world quantum resilience plan will of necessity require a hybrid approach.

The word hybrid cryptography means combining classical and quantum-resistant algorithms to address challenges like key management, synchronization, and interoperability. Here, we seamlessly integrate quantum key distribution (QKD) with traditional cryptographic methods like symmetric key cryptographic method called AES and DES and asymmetric cryptographic method like RSA to ensuring secure communication even against quantum attacks. Efforts also include creating frameworks for smooth transition and operation between different cryptographic standards and protocols, enhancing security without compromising performance or user experience.

Hybrid cryptography combines quantum-resistant public key algorithms (designed to be secure against quantum computers) with the efficiency and security of classical symmetric encryption techniques. A hybrid system might use lattice-based cryptography for secure key exchange, ensuring it cannot intercept or deduce the encryption keys. It employs a conventional symmetric algorithm like AES for encrypting the message content, benefiting from its speed and lower computational requirements on classical hardware. This approach uses the robustness of post-quantum algorithms to shield the key exchange process from quantum eavesdropping while relying on the proven security and efficiency of classical encryption to protect the data itself.

Combine classical cryptographic algorithms with quantum-resistant primitives or quantum cryptographic techniques to create hybrid encryption schemes. Use quantum key exchange protocols like QKD to securely distribute symmetric keys for encryption and decryption operations performed using classical cryptographic algorithms.

Well it depends on the type of quantum attack to be honest. The advantage quantum attacks have over classical attacks is their capacity to perform cryptanalysis faster and (in the case of Shor's algorithm), perform faster factorisation. In some cases, modifications/tweaks can be made to the existing protocols(such as increasing the key size) to effectively nullify these advantages.

To safeguard classical cryptography from attacks, a crucial approach is the adoption of quantum-proof protocols. These protocols, also known as quantum-safe protocols, are crafted independently of cryptographic primitives vulnerable to quantum threats. Utilizing techniques like zero-knowledge proofs and secure multiparty computation, quantum-proof protocols achieve goals such as authentication and privacy without relying on quantum-vulnerable elements. Unlike quantum-resistant strategies, quantum-proof protocols do not require quantum technology but instead depend on ingenious algorithms. While innovative, these protocols present challenges such as efficiency, complexity n feasibility, demanding careful consideration in their implementation

Quantum-proof protocols are cryptographic and communication strategies designed to resist quantum computer capabilities, safeguarding data and communications. By incorporating principles from quantum key distribution, lattice-based cryptography, and hash-based signatures, these protocols enhance system security. Their adoption is crucial for future-proofing against potential quantum threats and ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information in evolving technological landscapes.

Consider a comprehensive assessment of current cryptographic practices and identify areas vulnerable to quantum attacks. Organizations should update cryptographic standards and the adoption of quantum-resistant solutions, particularly for systems handling sensitive or long-lived information. Start by staying current in security methods and threats and standardize cryptographic and security protocols. For businesses: consider including an R+D department or task force in the organization

Quantum-proof protocols is a way to protect classical cryptography from quantum attacks, its quite different from other algorithms in a way that this protocol doesn't expose any cryptographic key to quantum attacks which compromises data. Quantum-resistant cryptography, on the other hand, specifically focuses on cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks from quantum computers. Research efforts: 1. First four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms by NIST - They utilize structured lattices and hash functions, mathematical problems believed to be difficult for both conventional and quantum computers to solve. This marks a critical step in securing digital information against the quantum computing threat.

We need to consider that big institutions will not be able to change their cryptography methods very fast. Some of them are in legacy code, hard code, or lost in some applications. So right now what I recommend is to find where your criptography is and create an inventory that will be easy to manage. Until we have good methods established we can work to map our system and get ready to change. Also, safety is not only about cryptography we need other things that companies need to work too.

To protect classical cryptography from quantum attacks, post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are being developed to resist threats posed by quantum computers. These algorithms, such as lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptography, are designed to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks. Additionally, hybrid encryption schemes combining classical and quantum-resistant methods can provide transitional security. Implementing longer key sizes and using symmetric cryptography, like AES, which is less vulnerable to quantum threats, also enhances protection. Standardizing post-quantum algorithms is essential for safeguarding data as quantum computing advances.

Safeguarding classical cryptography from quantum attacks necessitates a proactive approach. Transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms like lattice-based or hash-based cryptography, which remain secure against quantum threats. Stay updated with advancements in quantum computing and cryptography research to adapt to evolving challenges. Implement quantum-resistant protocols in critical systems and encourage industry-wide adoption. Foster collaboration between researchers, developers, and policymakers to establish robust standards and frameworks, ensuring a resilient defense against the potential impact of quantum computing on classical cryptographic methods.

Interoperability: Ensure compatibility and interoperability between classical and quantum-resistant cryptographic systems to facilitate smooth transitions and integration into existing infrastructure. Performance: Assess the performance impact of quantum-resistant cryptography and quantum cryptographic techniques on computational resources, latency, and throughput to optimize system efficiency.

Transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and incorporating quantum-safe key distribution mechanisms are essential steps to protect classical cryptography from quantum attack.