Quantum Computing’s Impact on Cryptography and Cybersecurity

By: Aiyaan Hasan, International Center for AI and Cyber Security Research and Innovations (CCRI), Asia University, Taiwan, rayhasan114@gmail.com

Abstract:

Due to quantum computing’s unparalleled computational capacity, which poses a serious threat to established encryption systems, security is a critical concern. The article explores the implications of quantum computing on cybersecurity and cryptography. We look at the weaknesses in conventional encryption techniques, the evolution of post-quantum cryptography, and the ways that digital security is evolving in the quantum computer era. As the threat posed by quantum computing draws closer, it is becoming more and more important to enhance digital security measures and adopt encryption approaches that are immune to quantum fluctuations.

Introduction:

With the arrival of quantum computing, the fields of cybersecurity and cryptography are going to experience a significant transformation.[1] Quantum computers have the unmatched ability to do complex computations at rates faster than those of conventional computers.[2]

This massive computing power is useful for developing technology and resolving challenging scientific problems, but it also seriously compromises established encryption methods, which are crucial for the security of digital data and communication.

In this article, we will examine the important implications of quantum computing for cybersecurity and cryptography. We will look at the drawbacks of the conventional encryption methods and the need for post-quantum cryptography-based alternatives.

Traditional Encryption’s Vulnerabilities:

Key principle of digital communication security is the idea that certain mathematical problems, such as the discrete logarithm problem and integer factorization, are intractable for classical computers. These problems form the foundation of encryption methods like RSA and ECC, which safeguard data while it’s in transit and at rest.[3]

Quantum computing, however, has the ability to challenge this security system. Notable quantum algorithm Shor’s method can solve the discrete logarithm problem and factor big numbers fast, opening the door for assaults on traditional encryption schemes.[4] This implies that when quantum computers mature enough, encrypted data—once thought to be safe—may become visible to spies.

Post- Quantum Cryptography:

Global efforts are underway to create post-quantum cryptography, or encryption techniques that are safe against quantum assaults, in response to the impending threat posed by quantum theory.[5] These methods are based on mathematical issues that are hard for quantum and classical computers to solve computationally.

Lattice-based cryptography is one such method that makes use of the difficulty of specific lattice-related mathematical issues. Other candidates in the post-quantum environment include multivariate polynomial cryptography, hash-based cryptography, and code-based cryptography. One major step in the transition to quantum-resistant encryption techniques has been reached with the active evaluation and standardization of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Changing Technologies for Digital Security:

To keep ahead of possible attacks, businesses and governments need to actively modify their cybersecurity plans. This means improving security procedures, such as multifactor authentication, encryption key management, and intrusion detection systems, in addition to making investments in post-quantum cryptography.[6]

In addition, there is a race to develop quantum-resistant communication systems, including quantum key distribution (QKD), as a result of increased awareness of quantum hazards. Even in the presence of quantum eavesdroppers, QKD theoretically provides secure communication channels by utilizing the concepts of quantum physics. Although QKD has a lot of potential, there are still issues with its practical application.

Conclusion:

The effects of quantum computing on cybersecurity and cryptography are becoming more and more apparent as it develops. Post-quantum cryptography must quickly replace conventional encryption techniques due to their vulnerabilities in order to protect data in the quantum computing age. Concurrently, the advancement of digital security protocols and the investigation of quantum-resistant communication systems, such as QKD, are essential to preserving our digital environment. The race is on to protect our digital world against quantum dangers, and government agencies, business leaders, and researchers must work together to achieve this revolutionary goal.

References:

1. DuPont, Q., & Fidler, B. (2016). Edge cryptography and the codevelopment of computer networks and cybersecurity. IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, 38(4), 55-73.
2. Ladd, T. D., Jelezko, F., Laflamme, R., Nakamura, Y., Monroe, C., & O’Brien, J. L. (2010). Quantum computers. nature, 464(7285), 45-53.
3. Bafandehkar, M., Yasin, S. M., Mahmod, R., & Hanapi, Z. M. (2013, December). Comparison of ECC and RSA algorithm in resource constrained devices. In 2013 international conference on IT convergence and security (ICITCS) (pp. 1-3). IEEE.
4. Monz, T., Nigg, D., Martinez, E. A., Brandl, M. F., Schindler, P., Rines, R., … & Blatt, R. (2016). Realization of a scalable Shor algorithm. Science, 351(6277), 1068-1070.
5. Bernstein, D. J., & Lange, T. (2017). Post-quantum cryptography. Nature, 549(7671), 188-194.
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8. Cvitić, I., Perakovic, D., Gupta, B. B., & Choo, K. K. R. (2021). Boosting-based DDoS detection in internet of things systems. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 9(3), 2109-2123.
9. Lv, L., Wu, Z., Zhang, L., Gupta, B. B., & Tian, Z. (2022). An edge-AI based forecasting approach for improving smart microgrid efficiency. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 18(11), 7946-7954.
10. Stergiou, C. L., Psannis, K. E., & Gupta, B. B. (2021). InFeMo: flexible big data management through a federated cloud system. ACM Transactions on Internet Technology (TOIT), 22(2), 1-22.
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Cite As

Hasan A. (2023) Quantum Computing’s Impact on Cryptography and Cybersecurity, Insights2Techinfo, pp.1

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