Quantum Safe Cryptography
Quantum-safe cryptography, also called post-quantum cryptography, covers algorithms designed to remain secure against attacks by a sufficiently capable quantum computer.
What is Quantum Safe Cryptography?
Definition
Quantum Safe Cryptography (also called post-quantum cryptography) covers encryption and signature algorithms designed to stay secure against an attacker holding a sufficiently capable quantum computer. The concern is concrete rather than speculative: much of today’s public-key cryptography rests on problems such a machine would solve efficiently, and encrypted traffic captured now can be stored and decrypted later once one exists. In cybersecurity terms the practical work has already begun — inventorying where public-key cryptography is used, and planning migration to standardised post-quantum algorithms.
Role in cybersecurity
Quantum Safe Cryptography plays an important role in building organizational resilience against cyber threats. Implementing appropriate mechanisms in this area is required by regulations such as NIS2, DORA and ISO 27001.