- Quantum-safe encryption shields enterprise data against future quantum decryption threats.
- Ensuring accessibility in quantum computing empowers businesses to safeguard sensitive information long-term.
- Quantum-resistant cryptographic tools enable enterprises to adopt secure encryption without requiring quantum expertise.
Quantum, a physical term for the minimum amount of physical entities involved in an interaction. The word’s origin comes from the Latin adjective quantus meaning “how much”, according to wikipedia. Quantum computing, just like how the word means, allows more than two states at one time to happen. It is based on “qubit”, as in multiple states simultaneously, while conventional computing is based on “bit”, either 0 or 1(2, on and off). Quantum computing was invented in the fifth computer, under the phenomenon of quantum mechanics. Quantum computing performs tasks much faster than conventional computing as it carries most of the processes all at once.
And what’s the encryption? As people who have experience quit a job, they might see the message saying encrypted under the past conversation they have with their former colleagues. Encryption is a security method designed to disclose information, protecting privacy by making the data in an unreadable format only accessible to authorized groups and individuals.
Here is a video about IBM Quantum developer advocate Abby Mitchell explaining Quantum safe and two types of encryptions — symmetric and asymmetric encryptions.
In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. This key is shared between the sender and receiver, and it must be kept secret from everyone else. Common symmetric encryption algorithms include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), DES (Data Encryption Standard), and Blowfish.
Asymmetric encryption uses two different but mathematically linked keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is shared openly, while the private key is kept secret. Examples like RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), and DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm).
Asymmetric encryption is used to exchange a symmetric encryption key. While Symmetric encryption then encrypts the actual data, leveraging its speed.
Also read:QED-C report warns of cybersecurity threats to finance
Shield the enterprise data
Quantum-safe encryption is designed to protect data against the potential capabilities of quantum computers, which are expected to be powerful enough to break classical encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC. Here’s how it shields enterprise data:
1. Quantum-Resistant Algorithms
Quantum-safe encryption uses algorithms that are resistant to the types of attacks quantum computers are expected to perform, like Shor’s algorithm, which can factorize large numbers efficiently. These algorithms are based on hard mathematical problems that quantum computers find difficult to solve, such as lattice-based cryptography, hash-based cryptography, multivariate polynomial cryptography, and code-based cryptography.
2. Layered and Hybrid Encryption
To prepare for the transition to quantum-safe standards, enterprises can employ a layered approach that combines both classical and quantum-safe encryption methods, known as hybrid encryption. This dual protection can ensure data remains secure both now and in the future, even if quantum threats materialize sooner than expected.
3. Long-term Data Integrity
Quantum-safe encryption is especially valuable for data that needs to be preserved long-term, such as personal records, legal documents, and confidential business information. By adopting quantum-safe algorithms, enterprises can ensure that their stored and archived data won’t be decrypted retroactively by quantum computers.
“Quantum computing opens up exciting new possibilities; however, the consequences of this new technology include threats to the current cryptographic standards that ensure data confidentiality and integrity and support key elements of network security.”
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Pop quiz
Which below is an example of Asymmetric encryption?
A. RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)
B. Blowfish
C. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
D. DES (Data Encryption Standard)
Answer is at the end of this feature.
Quantum-safe encryption for enterprises focuses on protecting data and communication from potential decryption threats posed by quantum computers. As quantum technology advances, it could theoretically crack traditional encryption methods, putting sensitive enterprise data at risk.
Understanding Quantum Threats
Quantum computers could easily break RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), two of the most widely used encryption methods, by solving their mathematical foundations efficiently. Quantum computers using Shor’s algorithm can factorize large numbers exponentially faster, which underpins the vulnerability of traditional algorithms like RSA.
Also read:Celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month to build a secure digital future
Quantum-safe algorithms
Quantum-safe algorithms and protocols are designed to protect data from the advanced decryption capabilities of future quantum computers. As quantum computing evolves, it could break traditional encryption methods like RSA and ECC, which are widely used today. Quantum-safe algorithms, also called post-quantum cryptography (PQC), rely on mathematical problems that are hard for quantum computers to solve, such as lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate polynomial algorithms.
Lattice-based cryptography, for instance, builds on the complexity of solving lattice structures, making it a popular choice for both encryption and key exchange. Code-based cryptography, such as the McEliece cryptosystem, offers resilience by using complex error-correcting codes, though it requires larger key sizes. Hash-based cryptography is another approach, leveraging the difficulty of reversing secure hash functions and providing strong digital signatures. Multivariate polynomial cryptography, on the other hand, relies on the computational difficulty of solving large sets of polynomial equations, offering a promising path for secure authentication.
Many organizations are adopting hybrid encryption models, which combine classical and quantum-safe algorithms to ensure security during the transition to post-quantum systems. These hybrid models leverage existing encryption alongside quantum-resistant algorithms, creating a layered security approach that is immediately effective while anticipating future quantum threats.
Future outlook
In addition to these algorithms, developing cryptographically agile systems is crucial, allowing organizations to update encryption protocols as new quantum-safe standards are established. As NIST and global organizations work to standardize quantum-safe algorithms, businesses are encouraged to begin transitioning to these algorithms now, protecting sensitive data against potential “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks where encrypted data is collected now and decrypted in the future with quantum technology.
Adopting quantum-safe encryption now is a proactive step for enterprises to protect data in a quantum future. By using quantum-resistant algorithms, implementing hybrid encryption, and following NIST’s guidelines, organizations can secure their data and communication channels against both current and emerging quantum threats.
