Classical Solutions for Quantum Challenges: An Introduction to Postquantum Cryptography

Abstract

Quantum computing has tremendous potential to change the world by solving many previously unsolvable problems. However, with this tremendous computational power comes threats to our existing technologies safeguarding the world's communication channels and data storage. Specifically, it threatens our standardized and widely deployed cryptographic systems that are in use today. These existing cryptosystems are based on mathematical techniques that are difficult (essentially infeasible) for a classical computer to solve. Quantum computing presents a threat since many previously infeasible problems are likely to become feasible or even easy to solve by a quantum computer. This paper briefly reviews quantum computing and its properties before studying related work into postquantum cryptography. The eventuality of quantum computing is discussed based on readily available research and public information, in addition to expert opinion, which then provides insight into the eventuality of postquantum cryptography and the validity of action, or inaction, around this research. Further topics focus on the standardization of postquantum cryptosystems, and future research trends and opportunities in the field of postquantum cryptography.