An Overview: Quantum Resistant Encryption
Quantum computing is about to change the Information Technology (IT) world forever. By using quantum mechanics, quantum computers will be able to solve a host of complex problems that our traditional computers can’t handle at an efficient speed.
Thanks to Shor’s Algorithm, the impossible will soon be possible — quantum computing architecture will be able to crack the most common types of encryption out there today. This creates an adapt or die situation for the entire IT industry. If they don’t update their traditional infrastructure and adapt to quantum computing, private information across multiple platforms will be left vulnerable.
So, What’s Quantum Resistant Encryption?
When we talk about quantum-resistant encryption, we’re actually talking about several related terms that have to do with protecting private data and information for a variety of industries, especially those that utilize the cloud for hosting and storage on the quantum level. Some of those terms are quantum cryptography, quantum encryption, quantum-safe encryption, post-quantum cryptography, quantum-proof encryption, quantum security, quantum communication, and so on.
These terms are often used interchangeably despite their different definitions, which often leads to confusion. The two main terms associated with quantum-resistant encryption that we’re going to focus on are quantum cryptography and post-quantum cryptography.
Quantum Cryptography
Quantum cryptography, aka, quantum security, or quantum encryption refers to mastering and utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics. The purpose of quantum cryptography is to boost security and detect any third-party that may be tapping into your communications.
Cryptography itself is a code system that protects information and communication by transforming said information into a format. Only the intended party will be able to decode — or, decrypt — the necessary information by use of a grid or table which defines the format, allowing the code to be deciphered.
The most well-known example of quantum cryptography is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD transfers data using photons of light rather than traditional bits. Photon light is not something that can be cloned or copied, making it a much more secure way to transfer data from one source to another. In the event that a third-party is detected trying to obtain these photons of information, the key-photons will change their state, resulting in a failed data transfer, alerting the two parties of the security breach.
Unlike Public-key Cryptography (PKC), QKD allows government agencies to share mission-critical data in a fully-protected and secure way.
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Post-quantum cryptography, aka, quantum-proof, quantum-safe, or quantum-resistant, refers to updating existing mathematical algorithms and standards in preparation for quantum computing.
These are the cryptographic algorithms (which are usually public-key algorithms), that rely on very difficult mathematical problems for protection. However, while they are thought to be sufficiently secure, any quantum computers running Shor’s algorithm in the future will be able to break through those math-based protection systems in a matter of seconds.
Additionally, there are already “bad actors” collecting large amounts of encrypted data. These bad actors are storing this data until they’re able to break the mathematical problems by the use of quantum computing. That means any critical data being stored today is vulnerable, regardless of security measures.
How to Prepare for the Quantum Computing Take Over
Quantum computing isn’t just for top-secret agencies. It’s something that can affect all major industries including the financial industry, law firms, and even tech companies that store your personal identity information — not to mention, your baking information. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, are all racing to make significant advances in quantum computing technology to prevent a quantum take-over in mainstream environments like social media platforms, email platforms, collaboration platforms, and so on.
To prepare and fight back the incoming quantum computing take over is to employ next-generation data security solutions based on quantum mechanics and physics. That means utilizing platforms that are safeguarding themselves against bad actors and quantum encryption so that you can manage your business efficiently and securely.
We’re Tauria, and We’re Quantum Resistant
The IT world is spinning fast, and quantum encryption will be here before you know it. Your business doesn’t have to go without security. We offer a secure enterprise collaboration platform for organizations of all sizes.
Here at Tauria, we have everything you need to collaborate securely and successfully. To be more specific, when we say securely, we’re talking about a quantum-encryption resistant level of security. Everything you do on our platform to communicate, store, transfer, and collaborate is well-encrypted based on the laws of quantum physics. So, when the quantum-computer takeover is here, you and your team can rest easy knowing that your data is protected on the quantum level.
