Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

What

Post-quantum cryptography is math-based encryption and signatures designed to resist quantum computer attacks. Unlike QKD which uses quantum physics for security, PQC uses hard math problems that even quantum computers can't solve efficiently - lattice problems, hash functions, isogenies, error-correcting codes. The advantage of PQC: it works on regular computers and networks. You don't need special quantum hardware, dedicated fiber, or single-photon detectors. It integrates into existing software and protocols. The NIST-standardized algorithms are CRYSTALS-Kyber (FIPS 203) for key exchange, CRYSTALS-Dilithium (FIPS 204) for general signatures, and SPHINCS+ (FIPS 205) for signatures where you need extra confidence. QNu Labs' Hodos platform implements all of them. The challenge: PQC algorithms are newer and less battle-tested than RSA/ECC, hence the recommendation for hybrid approaches using both classical and post-quantum during the transition.

Why

PQC is what most organizations will deploy for quantum security because it's practical and scalable. It works with existing infrastructure - just replace RSA with Dilithium in your signing code, replace ECDH with Kyber in your TLS handshake. For cloud services, distributed systems, and internet-scale applications, PQC is the answer. QKD complements it for ultra-high-security connections.

Impact

Every website needs PQC for TLS certificates. Every VPN needs PQC for key exchange. Every software update needs PQC for signatures. Every blockchain needs PQC for transactions. The scale is enormous - billions of devices and systems. PQC makes quantum security achievable at that scale because it's software, not hardware. Organizations can upgrade applications, update libraries, and deploy PQC without infrastructure overhauls.

Use Cases

Website TLS/SSL certificates, VPN and remote access security, email encryption and S/MIME, code signing for software updates, cryptocurrency and blockchain signatures, IoT device authentication, API security, cloud service encryption, secure messaging applications

Links

https://www.qnulabs.com/qnu-labs-hybrid-approach-blending-quantum-and-post-quantum-cryptography-for-future-proof-security/ | https://www.qnulabs.com/

Tags

PQC, post-quantum cryptography, quantum-resistant cryptography, quantum-safe algorithms, NIST PQC, lattice-based crypto, CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, SPHINCS+, Hodos, quantum-proof cryptography, math-based quantum security