As quantum computing advances, it presents a special threat to the safety of our digital data.. Modern encryption techniques that protect private data, secure communications, and online transactions are based on mathematical problems that are difficult for modern computers to solve. But quantum computers with their powerful processing capabilities can break these traditional encryption methods, placing valuable data at risk.
For post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the objective is to create encryption algorithms that are safe from quantum computer attacks. “Quantum-resistant” means that even the most advanced quantum computers cannot easily crack these algorithms. In this article, we will review the five best post quantum cryptography algorithms that provide strong security to protect data from future quantum threats.
- Lattice-Based Cryptography:
Lettice-based cryptography uses a special lattice structure (lattice) to secure information. This lattice consists of many points, and the data is converted to one of these points. Without the right key, it is very difficult to trace the original data, even with a powerful quantum computer.
Examples:
There are two main algorithms in this method: Learning with Errors (LWE) and Number Theorists Research Unit (NTRU).
Learning with Errors (LWE) adds a small number of “error points” to make it harder to access the original information. On the other hand, NTRU is another method that is fast and suitable for secure communication.
Benefits:
Lettice-based cryptography is very secure and fast, making it the best choice for protecting data from both current and future quantum computer attacks.
- Code-Based Cryptography:
This cryptography uses special error-correcting codes to secure data. These codes are designed to correct errors in the data. In encryption, these codes are used to change data in such a way that it becomes very difficult to recognize without just the right key.
Examples:
A famous example is the McEliece cryptosystem. It uses a special error-correcting code binary Goppa code. This system has been considered safe for many years.
Benefits:
Code-based cryptography is very secure because it has been working successfully for many years. The McEliece cryptosystem has not suffered any attacks for more than 40 years, making it a reliable way to keep data safe, especially in the age of quantum computers.
Hash-Based Cryptography:
This type of cryptography uses hash functions to create secure digital signatures. A hash function transforms data in a particular way into a code that is unique to that data and acts as an identifier. This method is designed to be safe from attacks by quantum computers because it is very difficult to convert the code obtained from the hash function back to the original data.
Examples:
Lamport Signatures and Merkle Tree Signatures are prime examples of hash-based cryptography.
“Lamport Signatures” uses a new hash each time, which is extremely secure. While, “Merkle Tree Signatures” create a hash tree, making it easy to detect any changes to the data.
Benefits:
Hash-based cryptography is a very simple, fast, and secure way to create digital signatures. It also protects against quantum attacks and is perfect for high-speed authentication, such as in secure communications or blockchain systems.