While promising to revolutionize multiple industries, quantum computers present potential threats to existing cryptographic systems.
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is a field of study that tries to provide a solution for safeguarding our numeric world, where sensitive data is wholly encrypted and toughened in front of the integers of quantum machines. This ensures encryption stays secure as these advanced machines become more common and powerful.
Such services are designed to protect information against quantum attacks by ensuring that your data will be safe when computing is quantum. But the right choice of such a service isn't easy.
This guide will help you through the complexities of PQC and help you select a suitable service.
Quantum computing heralds a great leap in computational power. A quantum computer can perform operations on a few states simultaneously, so drastically more information can be processed than on a classical computer.
These properties set quantum computers' capability to solve complex problems very quickly compared to current-day computers. However, that means that quantum computers can break most cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA or ECC, used nowadays in minutes.
Think of the ramifications: data breaches, communications compromised, and information we thought to be classified now out in the open. These could be hideously disruptive, underpinning the need for PQC services designed to an appropriate level of strength against quantum attack. The current time is to prepare post-quantum cryptography for the future of services.
Post-quantum cryptography is a term that defines cryptographic algorithms constructed with a security measure against quantum computers. The assurance level for the problems dealt with in this area is based on problems that are difficult for current classical machines and quantum computers.
While not the premier leader, the most important role has been that of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in standardizing PQC algorithms. Such work is required to create new cryptographic systems and apply a holistic approach to public-key cryptography.
The objective is to design cryptographic systems that can defend data for decades, even against the future quantum computer. Alone, new algorithms can't ensure the security of data, communication, and systems from quantum threats.
While choosing the right PQC service means picking an algorithm in part, there is more to it. Here are a few key factors when considering:
Not all PQC algorithms are created equal. Some will be more appropriate for your use case than others. For example, lattice-based cryptography is one of the most promising ways to realize PQC, but it may not suit all applications. The chosen PQC service should provide different algorithms and support cryptographic agility—the ability to move from one algorithm to another as standards emerge.
This transition to PQC shouldn't affect your current operations in any way. Ensure the PQC service chosen will work with your IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and communication protocols. The more seamless the integration, the less downtime you'll face, and the fewer errors are likely to occur in the transition process.
Security is undoubtedly the most significant concern when selecting a PQC service. It should meet NIST standards and be architected to protect it from classical and quantum attacks. It also meets all regulatory requirements in your industry. The service is compliant with the relevant regulations, e.g., GDPR or HIPAA, thus avoiding potential legal troubles.
PQC algorithms are heavily computational and can be a strain on your system. Check how it weighs on the computational ability of your operation before selecting a service. Check also on the scalability of the solution. As your organization grows, the PQC solution should be able to scale accordingly without compromising security or performance.
The reputation and experience of the PQC service provider are of the essence.
That said, the provider should have a strong background in cryptography and a commitment to response to future research and development. They should also be expected to provide robust support and maintenance services to keep your systems secure as new threats emerge.
PQC can be expensive, but it's an investment in your organization's future security.
Consider the total cost of ownership: how much it costs to implement and maintain now and in the future, and how much a potential quantum-induced data breach costs compared to the costs of investment it offsets.
The growing field of PQC is quickly evolving, with new developments being assumed every day. At the same time, keeping up with such trends is equally important. A few such areas include the following.
Research into new approaches to PQC is ongoing for code-based, hash-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptography. These technologies can improve security or performance and may become the new standard.
As quantum computing matures, governments and their regulatory arms will likely enact new standards and guidance around PQC. Keeping ahead of this will ensure your organization stays compliant and avoids legal issues.
Post-quantum security is inevitable, but companies that prepare for it now will be well-equipped to keep their data safe.
The road to post-quantum security hinges on the careful choice of PQC services. Algorithm suitability, compatibility, security, performance, vendor reliability, and cost could be a few of the significant factors that might go onto one's checklist while selecting a service for addressing long-term security needs.
Don't wait until the 11th hour; start assessing your cryptographic needs today to make the first step in your quantum-secure future.