Post-quantum cryptography is a field of research that focuses on developing cryptographic techniques that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. Quantum computers have the potential to break many classical cryptographic algorithms currently in use, such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography, due to their ability to factor large numbers and compute discrete logarithms efficiently.
The need for PQC arises from the fact that large-scale, practical quantum computers are expected to be built in the near future. This poses a significant threat to the security of our current cryptographic systems, which rely on the difficulty of certain mathematical problems (e.g., factorization, discrete logarithms) to ensure their security.
Key Challenges:
Quantum attacks: Quantum computers can perform certain calculations much faster than classical computers, which could potentially break many classical cryptographic algorithms.
Key exchange: Quantum computers can also potentially break key exchange protocols, such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange and RSA key exchange.
Cryptographic standards: Many cryptographic standards, such as TLS and SSL, rely on classical algorithms that may be vulnerable to quantum attacks.
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