Quantum Cryptography and the Future of Secure Communication

Protecting digital systems from quantum computing threats through post-quantum cryptography.

The Quantum Threat

While quantum computers promise breakthroughs in many domains, they also pose existential risks to current cryptographic systems. Shor's algorithm will soon break RSA, ECC, and AES encryption in hours - not centuries.


                        
// Quantum computer capability (theoretical 2030)
decrypt(privateKeyRSA, quantumComputer) = plaintext

Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum cryptography leverages photon polarization states rather than mathematical complexity. BB84 protocol example below:

Alice's Preparation

1. Generates random bit stream
2. Encodes each bit as photon polarization
3. Random bases selection (rectilinear/circular)

Bob's Measurement

1. Randomly selects measurement basis
2. Compares results after public discussion
3. Discards mismatched basis pairs

NIST Post-Quantum Algorithms

Approved algorithms for classical quantum resistance:

CRYSTALS-Kyber

Lattice-based encryption for confidentiality

Security ~256-bit | 10x smaller keys than RSA

CRYSTALS-Dilithium

Digital signatures resistant to quantum attacks

80% faster than ECDSA | 4KB signature size

SPHINCS+

Stateless hash-based signatures

Quantum-safe | No key reuse needed

Industry Transition Plan

Real-world timeline for quantum-safe upgrades:

Year	Milestone	Adoption
2023	NIST Selects Ciphers	85%
2025	TLS 1.4+ Integration	45%
2030	Legacy Infrastructure	25%

Source: Quantum Crypto Roadmap Initiative

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