How the United States Is Developing Post-Quantum Cryptography

IEEE Spectrum  September 6, 2019 NIST is overseeing the second phase of its Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process to narrow down the best candidates for quantum-resistant algorithms that can replace modern cryptography. At the Second PQC Standardization Conference 26 candidate algorithms were selected. The algorithms fall into two general categories – the first category includes key-establishment algorithms that enable two parties that have never met to agree on a shared secret, the second category involves algorithms for digital signatures that ensure the authenticity of data. Both categories require new algorithms based upon mathematical problems which even quantum computers couldn’t crack. NIST […]

New Cryptography Must Be Developed and Deployed Now, Even Though a Quantum Computer That Could Compromise Today’s Cryptography Is Likely at Least a Decade Away, Says New Report

National Academies  December 4, 2018 According to a NAS [Open Access] report  it is still too early to be able to predict the time horizon for a practical quantum computer. The current research on quantum computing has clear implications for national security. Any entity that has a large-scale quantum computer could break today’s cryptography to read intercepted communications or stored data. Continued support from the U.S. to this field is imperative if the country wants to maintain its leadership position…read more.

A Quantum Encryption Record in Optical Fiber

Optics and Photonics  November 16, 2018 An international team of researchers (Switzerland, USA – industry) has demonstrated a quantum key distribution system with a 2.5 GHz repetition rate using a three-state time-bin protocol combined with a one-decoy approach. Taking advantage of superconducting single-photon detectors optimized for quantum key distribution and ultralow-loss fiber, they can distribute secret keys at a maximum distance of 421 km and obtain secret key rates of 6.5 bps over 405 km. The research could ultimately enable cheaper and more practical systems that are a commercially viable alternative to conventional technology…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE