Quantum Computing Consequences Necessitate Development Of PQR

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) has been the talk of the town as of late. But, why is it needed, how does it differ to traditional cryptography, and how is the field developing? Let’s dive in.

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How Do Cryptographic Algorithms Work?

Put simply, cryptographic algorithms are essentially mathematical equations that are used to make text unreadable, which have numerous applications such as encryption and authentication. The scrambled information can only be decrypted or accessed using what is known as a cryptographic key.

This means that only authorised persons who hold the key (or keys), can access the information hidden by the cryptographic process. It is important that each encryption key is unique and unpredictable to ensure that the code is harder to crack. With this in mind, they are created using a random number generator (RNG).

RNGs are perhaps best known for their usage in iGaming, in part due to being the key technology behind the mechanics of online slot games.

Just take something like Gem Heat online slot which features a wide variety of traditional slot game symbols, which appear on the reels in a random order.

This is because RNGs digitally mimic the same element of luck that you’d get from spinning a physical reel, ensuring that the gameplay is fair, and the results can’t be predicted.

In the same vein, RNGs ensure that private, public, and other encryption keys are unpredictable and non-sequential as possible. That said, cryptographic algorithms aren’t always foolproof, particularly due to a quickly-evolving phenomenon — quantum computers.

Impact Of Quantum Computing

Whilst traditional computers function by using ones or zeros, quantum computers take advantage of the multiplicity of quantum mechanics to be simultaneously one and zero at the same time. This means that information can be processed and calculations crunched with eye-watering efficiency.

For example, Google’s Sycamore quantum computer is said to be able to execute tasks in an instant that would take a traditional computer 47 years.

Of course, the speed, and accuracy of such computers raises potential issues for cryptography, as any quantum computer using Shor’s algorithm could theoretically one day crack any of the major mathematical problems used.

In response to this, cryptographers have begun to develop alternative algorithms that will be less vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers. This field is known as PQC, or quantum-proof, quantum-resistant, or quantum-safe cryptography.

And, as Microsoft and Atom Computing have announced the launch of a commercial quantum computer in 2025, this is more important than ever.

Pioneering PQC

Central banks in France and Singapore, Banque de France (BdF) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), have hit the headlines for their joint pilot in the implementation of PQC techniques in payment processes. The experiment was focused on the Microsoft Outlook application, using PQC algorithms to encrypt emails containing confidential information.

Elsewhere, the newest iOS update for Apple devices contains encryptions that are said to be resistant to quantum computing attacks. And, the US’ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has designated a mandatory move to PQC for the federal government by 2035.

Despite these individual nudges towards PQC around the world, Europe as a whole has somewhat overlooked PQC as a whole. Yet, changes to cybersecurity strategies set for 2025 could bring the prime opportunity to embrace new innovations.

As you can see, quantum computing could spell trouble even something like strong cryptographic algorithms. With this in mind, the push towards PQC is predicted to continue to grow in tandem with the development of the computers themselves.

Disclaimer: The above references an opinion of the author and is for information purposes only. Never gamble for more than you can afford to lose. Gambling can lead to a serious addiction. Gamble responsibly.

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