Latest news with #postquantumcryptography
Tahawul Tech
a day ago
- Tahawul Tech
How to navigate the transition to post-quantum cryptography
Security professionals worldwide are preparing for a major upgrade in the form of a migration to new post-quantum cryptographic standards as the era of quantum computing comes closer to reality. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been leading a standardisation process to transition from classical public-key cryptosystems to quantum-resistant alternatives. Governments and businesses can now plan their transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to ensure long-term data security against quantum-enabled threats. However, this shift must be approached with caution to avoid unintended vulnerabilities. Recent research from the Technology Innovation Institute (TII)'s Cryptography Research Center (CRC) in Abu Dhabi and Polytechnic University of Turin highlights a key concern: solutions that rely on variants of computationally hard problems used in the design of PQC algorithms to enhance their performance or to provide added functionalities require additional scrutiny. An example is the Linear Code Equivalence (LCE), which plays a role in PQC signature schemes. The study, Don't Use it Twice! Solving Relaxed Linear Code Equivalence Problems warns that modifying computational problems, even slightly, can significantly change their complexity, sometimes making them solvable with today's technology. This is a caution to designers of new designs to double-check that tweaks they introduce don't lead to weaker security guarantees than intended. Lessons from the Linear Code Equivalence Problem LCE, a computational assumption consisting of two linear codes that are equivalent up to a linear transformation, has been studied by cryptanalysts and is used to construct secure cryptosystems like digital signatures. The research warns against using relaxed versions of LCE in cryptographic applications without rigorous security validation, which could lead to vulnerabilities. A key takeaway is that even for well-established hard problems, providing additional data, such as multiple instances of a problem that share the same secret, can make it easier for attackers to recover the secret information. This serves as a reminder to designers that seemingly minor adjustments to cryptographic structures can unintentionally reduce security. While the study highlights potential vulnerabilities, it by no means suggests abandoning PQC development. Instead, organizations should begin transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography while keeping in mind the importance of careful validation and measured adoption. For example, security practitioners should focus on rigorous cryptanalysis to assess the long-term security of any PQC scheme built on novel or modified computational problems. They must also avoid relying on less studied assumptions or at least approach them with skepticism to ensure that relaxations of problems don't introduce unintended vulnerabilities. The transition to PQC should be a gradual process, informed by ongoing cryptanalysis and contributions from the global cryptographic community. The process will also go through refinements as a natural part of its journey in the coming years. The Road Ahead The industry must navigate this shift with an understanding that cryptographic design is inherently iterative. New threats emerge and countermeasures must adapt accordingly. Governments and organizations embarking on their PQC migration journey must recognise that while PQC is still maturing, it presents an exciting opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient cryptographic foundation for the future. This opinion piece is authored by Dr. Víctor Mateu, Acting Chief Researcher, Cryptography Research Center at TII.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Science
- Geeky Gadgets
How Quantum Computers Are Solving the World's Biggest Problems
What if the most complex problems plaguing industries today—curing diseases, optimizing global supply chains, or even securing digital communication—could be solved in a fraction of the time it takes now? Quantum computing, once the stuff of science fiction, is no longer a distant dream. With breakthroughs like Google's 105-qubit 'Willow' processor and Microsoft's topological qubits, the race toward fault-tolerant quantum systems is heating up. These advancements are not just incremental; they're fantastic, promising to redefine the limits of computation and disrupt industries across the globe. The question is no longer if quantum computing will change the world, but how soon—and how profoundly—it will happen. ExplainingComputers explores the most pivotal developments in quantum computing as of 2025, from innovative hardware innovations to the emergence of post-quantum cryptography. You'll discover how companies like IBM and SciQuantum are tackling challenges like quantum error correction and scalability, and why these breakthroughs matter for everything from drug discovery to financial modeling. But this isn't just about technology—it's about the societal shifts and opportunities that quantum computing will unlock. As we stand on the brink of a quantum revolution, the implications are as exciting as they are daunting. What will this new era of computation mean for you, your industry, and the world at large? Quantum Computing Breakthroughs Understanding Quantum Computing Quantum computing operates on the principles of quantum mechanics, using qubits as its fundamental units of information. Unlike classical bits, which exist in a binary state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously through the phenomena of superposition and entanglement. This unique capability allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data in parallel, offering computational power far beyond that of classical systems. However, qubits are inherently fragile and susceptible to environmental interference, leading to errors during computation. To address this challenge, researchers employ quantum error correction codes, which combine multiple physical qubits to create a single logical qubit. Logical qubits are a critical step toward building fault-tolerant quantum systems, allowing reliable and scalable quantum computation. These advancements are paving the way for practical applications, making quantum computing a viable solution for complex problems. Breakthroughs in 2024-2025 The past two years have been pivotal for quantum computing, with leading technology companies achieving significant milestones. These developments are shaping the future of the field and bringing us closer to realizing the full potential of quantum systems: Google: Google introduced its 'Willow' quantum processor, featuring 105 superconducting transmon qubits. The company achieved a major breakthrough in quantum error correction , demonstrating performance below the surface code threshold. This milestone is a critical step toward scalable quantum systems. Additionally, Google showcased its computational superiority through random circuit sampling (RCS) , further solidifying its leadership in the field. Google introduced its 'Willow' quantum processor, featuring 105 superconducting transmon qubits. The company achieved a major breakthrough in , demonstrating performance below the surface code threshold. This milestone is a critical step toward scalable quantum systems. Additionally, Google showcased its computational superiority through , further solidifying its leadership in the field. Microsoft: Microsoft launched its 'Majorana 1' processor, using topological qubits for enhanced stability and scalability. The company also partnered with Atom Computing to explore neutral atom-based quantum hardware and joined DARPA's US2QC program to advance utility-scale quantum computing. These initiatives highlight Microsoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology. Microsoft launched its 'Majorana 1' processor, using for enhanced stability and scalability. The company also partnered with Atom Computing to explore and joined DARPA's US2QC program to advance utility-scale quantum computing. These initiatives highlight Microsoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology. SciQuantum: SciQuantum unveiled its 'Omega' photonic quantum chipset, designed for scalability and efficiency. The company also developed an innovative cooling system for photonic qubits , resembling data center server racks, to address thermal challenges. This approach demonstrates the potential of photonic systems in achieving practical quantum computing. SciQuantum unveiled its 'Omega' photonic quantum chipset, designed for scalability and efficiency. The company also developed an innovative cooling system for , resembling data center server racks, to address thermal challenges. This approach demonstrates the potential of photonic systems in achieving practical quantum computing. IBM: IBM released a comprehensive roadmap for its fault-tolerant quantum computer, 'Quantum Staling,' which aims to feature 200 logical qubits by 2029. The company introduced advanced error correction techniques, such as barista bicycle codes and noise decoders, to enhance system reliability and scalability. Quantum Error Correction and Scalability: The Next Big Leap Watch this video on YouTube. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Quantum computing. Securing the Future with Post-Quantum Cryptography The rise of quantum computing presents a significant challenge to traditional cryptographic systems. Quantum computers have the potential to break widely used encryption algorithms, posing a threat to data security across industries. In response, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a 2024 report outlining the transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards by 2035. These standards aim to safeguard sensitive information and ensure cybersecurity in a quantum-enabled future. Post-quantum cryptography focuses on developing encryption methods that are resistant to quantum attacks. This proactive approach is essential for protecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and personal data as quantum computing becomes more prevalent. Organizations are encouraged to begin adopting these standards to future-proof their security systems. Applications Transforming Industries Quantum computing is set to transform a wide range of industries, offering solutions to complex problems that were previously unsolvable. Some of the most promising applications include: Molecular Modeling: Quantum computers can simulate molecular interactions with unprecedented precision, accelerating advancements in drug discovery and materials science . Quantum computers can simulate molecular interactions with unprecedented precision, accelerating advancements in and . Logistics Optimization: Quantum algorithms can optimize supply chains and transportation networks, reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses worldwide. Quantum algorithms can optimize supply chains and transportation networks, reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses worldwide. Financial Modeling: Quantum systems enable the analysis of complex financial data, providing more accurate risk assessments and portfolio optimizations . Quantum systems enable the analysis of complex financial data, providing more accurate and . AI Integration: Quantum computing enhances machine learning algorithms, leading to faster and more accurate artificial intelligence solutions. Quantum computing enhances machine learning algorithms, leading to faster and more accurate solutions. Materials Science: Quantum simulations can uncover new materials with unique properties, driving innovation in energy and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the emergence of Quantum Computing as a Service (QCAS) is providing widespread access to access to this innovative technology. By offering quantum capabilities through cloud-based platforms, QCAS allows businesses to use quantum computing without the need for costly hardware investments. This model is accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies across industries. The Road Ahead for Quantum Computing The quantum computing market is experiencing rapid growth, with annual revenues projected to reach $5 billion by 2030. While fault-tolerant quantum systems are still under development, they are expected to become commercially viable by the early 2030s. These systems will unlock new possibilities for industries, allowing breakthroughs in areas such as healthcare, finance, and energy. As the field progresses, collaboration between academia, industry, and government will play a crucial role in overcoming technical challenges and driving innovation. The next decade will be instrumental in shaping the future of quantum computing, as researchers and engineers work toward building scalable, reliable, and accessible quantum systems. By staying informed about these advancements, you can better understand the fantastic potential of quantum computing and its impact on technology and society. The developments of 2024-2025 mark a significant step forward, setting the stage for a quantum revolution that will redefine the boundaries of computation and innovation. Media Credit: Explaining Computers Filed Under: Hardware, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Post-Quantum Cryptography: Beyond The CISO's Responsibility
Antonio Sanchez is Chief Strategy Officer at Quantum Xchange, a post-quantum crypto-agility solution provider. The quantum computing revolution is an imminent reality that will fundamentally alter the cybersecurity landscape. As quantum computers reach sufficient scale, they will render today's cryptographic defenses obsolete, exposing decades of encrypted data to potential compromise. This isn't just about protecting against known threats; it's about building resilient infrastructure that can withstand whatever advanced capabilities emerge from the quantum age. Organizations must act now to safeguard their most sensitive data against threats that don't yet exist but inevitably will. Data protection policy is typically owned by the chief information security officer (CISO), but the responsibility for migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) extends far beyond the security department. This is a digital transformation initiative that requires coordinated leadership across all technology domains. Every Department Gets Affected A common misconception is that PQC is a cybersecurity concern. This comes from a view that encryption is an isolated security layer. Cryptography is the invisible foundation supporting virtually every digital business process. Consider some of the systems at risk for a given enterprise: • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Your sales teams rely on CRM platforms that encrypt customer data, communications and transaction histories. These systems hold years, if not decades of customer intelligence, which will become vulnerable. The CTO or vice president of sales typically owns CRM decisions, making them critical stakeholders. • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Financial data, supply chain information and operational metrics flow through ERP systems protected by current encryption standards. The CFO and COO, who traditionally govern ERP investments, must now factor quantum resilience into their technology decisions. • Collaboration And Communication Tools: From Microsoft Teams to Slack, the platforms enabling remote work and digital collaboration rely on encryption protocols that will soon be vulnerable to quantum attacks. The decision-makers for these tools are typically CIOs or department heads. They must now evaluate quantum readiness alongside traditional features like user experience and integration capabilities. • Payroll And Human Resources: Employee personal information, salary data and performance records stored in HR systems represent attractive targets for criminal actors. CHRO and finance leaders overseeing these systems cannot delegate quantum preparedness to the security team alone. The Cross-Functional Challenge The complexity of PQC implementation requires expertise that spans multiple domains. While CISOs understand the threat landscape and risk implications, they often lack the operational knowledge to assess quantum readiness across diverse business applications. Meanwhile, department leaders who understand their systems' business requirements may not grasp the cryptographic technical details. This knowledge gap creates a dangerous blind spot. A business leader might select a new cloud platform based on performance and cost considerations without evaluating its quantum-cryptography road map. An operations leader might upgrade manufacturing systems without considering their encryption capabilities. These decisions, made in isolation from security considerations, can create long-term vulnerabilities that become exponentially more expensive to address later. Existing Investments Your organization has invested millions of dollars in the technology stack that runs the business. A complete rip-and-replace approach is not realistic as it would severely strain budgets, cause operational interruption and require extensive retraining. There are also some legacy applications that are so critical to the organization that they can't be replaced or upgraded. A nuanced strategy is needed that maximizes investments while transitioning to quantum resilience. Each department stakeholder must work with their current vendors to understand upgrade paths, feature enhancements that strengthen current encryption and which systems were never designed to be upgradable. Many of the vendors are already developing cryptographic updates that can be deployed as patches, but it still requires proactive engagement from business leaders to ensure these patches go through the patching process and are not overlooked, which often happens due to shifting priorities. The Strategic Imperative Migrating to PQC is a digital transformation initiative, which also makes it a business transformation initiative, so it requires commitment across the entire enterprise. The CISO is a crucial contributor as they provide expertise and insights on cyber risk and the threat landscape. However, the success of your quantum transition depends on every technology leader understanding their role in this journey. Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
Geeky Gadgets
11-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Quantum Computers Could Break Encryption : Are We Ready for the Digital Apocalypse?
Imagine a world where the locks protecting your most sensitive information—your financial records, medical history, or even national security secrets—can be effortlessly picked. This is the looming threat posed by quantum computers, machines so powerful they can break the encryption methods we trust today. While quantum computing promises new advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and drug discovery, it also carries a dark side: the potential to render current cryptographic systems obsolete. The stakes couldn't be higher. If we fail to act, the very foundation of our digital security could crumble, leaving sensitive data exposed to malicious actors. Are we prepared to face this quantum menace? The IBM Technology team provides more insights into the urgent need to protect our digital world from the disruptive power of quantum computing. You'll discover how quantum algorithms like Shor's could dismantle widely used encryption methods, why the 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy is already putting your data at risk, and what innovative solutions are emerging to counter these threats. From the promise of post-quantum cryptography to the concept of crypto agility, this exploration offers a roadmap to secure your data in the quantum era. The question isn't if quantum computers will challenge our cryptographic systems—it's when. Are we ready to future-proof our digital infrastructure before it's too late? Quantum Computing and Cryptography How Quantum Computing Threatens Cryptography Quantum computers operate on principles such as superposition and entanglement, allowing them to process information in fundamentally different ways compared to classical computers. While these capabilities hold the potential to transform industries, they also undermine the mathematical assumptions that underpin many cryptographic systems. Algorithms like RSA and ECC, which rely on the computational difficulty of prime factorization and discrete logarithms, are particularly susceptible to quantum attacks. The advent of quantum algorithms like Shor's has demonstrated the ability to solve these problems efficiently, rendering traditional encryption methods obsolete. This dual-edged nature of quantum computing underscores the urgency of developing new cryptographic solutions that can withstand these advanced capabilities. The 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' Strategy One of the most pressing concerns in the quantum era is the 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy employed by malicious actors. In this approach, encrypted data is intercepted and stored with the expectation that future quantum computers will have the power to decrypt it. This tactic poses a severe risk to sensitive information, including financial transactions, personal records, and classified government communications. The long-term implications of such breaches are profound. Data that is secure today could become vulnerable tomorrow, exposing individuals and organizations to identity theft, financial fraud, and national security threats. This looming danger highlights the need for immediate action to secure data against future quantum decryption capabilities. Protecting Data from Quantum Computers Watch this video on YouTube. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on Quantum Computing. Weaknesses in Current Cryptographic Systems Cryptographic systems are broadly categorized into symmetric and asymmetric encryption, both of which face unique challenges in the quantum era. Symmetric encryption methods, such as AES, are relatively more resistant to quantum attacks. However, quantum algorithms like Grover's can effectively reduce their key length, necessitating the use of longer keys to maintain security. Asymmetric encryption methods, including RSA and ECC, are far more vulnerable. Shor's algorithm enables quantum computers to efficiently solve the mathematical problems that these systems depend on, rendering them ineffective. These vulnerabilities emphasize the critical need to transition to quantum-safe cryptographic solutions that can withstand the computational power of quantum machines. Post-Quantum Cryptography: The Next Frontier To address the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing, researchers are actively developing post-quantum cryptography. These algorithms are designed to resist quantum attacks by relying on mathematical problems that remain difficult for both classical and quantum computers. For example, lattice-based cryptography has emerged as a promising candidate due to its robustness against quantum decryption techniques. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been at the forefront of this effort, evaluating and standardizing quantum-safe algorithms. After rigorous testing, NIST has identified several finalists, with four algorithms currently undergoing final evaluation. These developments mark a significant step toward creating a secure digital future in the quantum era. Challenges in Adopting Quantum-Safe Systems Transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography is a complex process that requires careful planning and significant resources. Organizations must first identify all applications and systems that rely on vulnerable cryptographic methods. This involves creating a comprehensive Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) to catalog existing implementations and prioritize updates. The migration process is further complicated by the need to maintain operational continuity. Without a well-executed plan, critical systems could remain exposed during the transition, leaving organizations vulnerable to potential breaches. These challenges underscore the importance of proactive measures and strategic planning in adopting quantum-safe systems. Building Crypto Agility: A Proactive Approach To prepare for the quantum era, organizations should embrace the concept of crypto agility. This approach ensures that systems can adapt to emerging threats and integrate new technologies seamlessly. Key steps in building crypto agility include: Discovery: Automate the scanning of systems to locate cryptographic implementations and identify vulnerabilities. Automate the scanning of systems to locate cryptographic implementations and identify vulnerabilities. Management: Develop and enforce cryptographic policies, prioritize updates, and monitor progress to ensure compliance with security standards. Develop and enforce cryptographic policies, prioritize updates, and monitor progress to ensure compliance with security standards. Remediation: Transition to quantum-safe algorithms while maintaining operational continuity through tools like crypto proxies. By adopting crypto agility, organizations can enhance their resilience against evolving threats and ensure the long-term security of their digital assets. Interim Solutions for a Smooth Transition During the migration to quantum-safe cryptographic systems, interim solutions can provide immediate protection. Crypto proxies, for instance, enable quantum-safe encryption for public networks while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems. These tools act as a bridge, allowing organizations to secure their data without requiring a complete overhaul of their infrastructure. Rigorous testing and validation of new algorithms are essential to ensure their reliability and performance in real-world scenarios. By using interim solutions, organizations can mitigate risks and maintain security during the transition to quantum-safe systems. Future-Proofing Your Cryptographic Infrastructure The quantum computing era is no longer a distant possibility—it is an imminent reality that demands proactive measures. By adopting quantum-safe algorithms, implementing crypto agility strategies, and using interim solutions, organizations can safeguard their data and systems against future vulnerabilities. Taking decisive action today will ensure that your cryptographic infrastructure remains resilient and secure in the face of quantum advancements. Media Credit: IBM Technology Filed Under: AI, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Promising Post-Quantum Cryptography Solutions, According To Experts
Quantum computing capabilities are accelerating, pushing traditional encryption methods closer to obsolescence. In response, cryptographers and security professionals are advancing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions designed to resist attacks from quantum-capable adversaries. A range of candidate algorithms and transition strategies are under active evaluation for their cryptographic strength, implementation efficiency, scalability and applicability across real-world use cases. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council explore the PQC approaches they believe hold the most promise—including their advantages and trade-offs—to help organizations prepare for a quantum-resilient future. 1. Cryptographic Bills Of Materials A cryptographic bill of materials (CBOM) inventories all cryptographic components within an organization's systems to uncover vulnerable classical algorithms and guide efficient migration to quantum-safe alternatives. Implementation is complex and tooling is still emerging, but CBOMs will jumpstart a smarter, faster path to PQC readiness. - Mark Hughes, IBM 2. Leighton-Micali Signature With U.S. mandates requiring post-quantum cryptography by 2028, hardware makers must act now. Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) is a robust choice for code signing today as it ensures authenticity and integrity, but crypto-agility is key—new algorithms may emerge with better performance. Early adoption ensures compliance and long-term security. - Anand Kashyap, Fortanix Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify? 3. ML-KEM (Kyber) The ML-KEM (Kyber) protocol is approaching 40% adoption. Its downside is a fraction of a second delay in establishing a webpage connection. The upside? Unlike classical TLS security, Kyber-secured browser connections are considered substantially more immune to 'record now, decrypt later' attacks, often discussed as a threat target of cryptographically relevant quantum computers. - Steven Woo, Rambus 4. Crypto-Agility Crypto-agility itself is the most promising 'solution' for the post-quantum era. With it, organizations can swap cryptographic primitives without rewriting infrastructure, which is critical as quantum-safe algorithms evolve. Though its main challenge lies in rearchitecting non-agile, legacy systems, Crypto-agility will separate those who are post-quantum ready from those who are exposed. - Jason Sabin, DigiCert Inc. 5. CRYSTALS-Kyber CRYSTALS-Kyber is a top contender in post-quantum encryption. It's already being tested by tech giants (for example, by Google in Chrome) to prepare for quantum threats. Though it uses larger keys, its speed and security make it ideal for Internet of Things and cloud systems. It's a real-world step toward securing data in a future where quantum attacks are a real risk. - Mehwish Salman Ali, Data Vault 6. NTRU NTRU is a public-key cryptosystem that relies on polynomial ring arithmetic. Pros: It has a faster encryption and decryption process, safeguards against future quantum decryption, and has smaller key sizes that minimize storage requirements. Cons: Intricate math requires top-level experts to implement it. It lacks widespread adoption, and all NTRUs need countermeasures from side-channel attacks. - Will Conaway, Ascent Business Partners 7. Lattice-Based Cryptography Lattice-based cryptography is a prominent solution that has three schemes: NTRUEncrypt, Learning with Errors (LWE), and Ring Learning With Errors (RLWE). They are resistant to quantum attacks, versatile in applications and efficient in key generation, but they have larger keys, translating to decreased performance. - Balaji Soundararajan, Adroitts 8. Code-Based Cryptography Code-based cryptography offers a robust solution for post-quantum security due to its long history of analysis and strong security guarantees against quantum attacks. Recent NIST-selected variants address historic key size challenges, offering simpler, quantum-resistant encryption that may be crucial if lattice- or hash-based PQC approaches face issues. - Neil Lampton, TIAG 9. CRYSTALS-Dilithium A good example is CRYSTALS-Dilithium, a post-quantum digital signature scheme. It is strong against quantum attacks and runs fast on most systems. It's good for signing documents or messages securely. But like others, it uses larger signatures than current methods and is still new, so more testing is needed. Still, it's a top choice for future-proof digital security. - Jay Krishnan, NAIB IT Consultancy Solutions WLL 10. OpenSSL 3.5 PQC is made tangible with the release of OpenSSL 3.5. The open-source library has added support for all three current NIST-standardized PQC algorithms: ML-KEM for key encapsulation and ML-DSA and SLH-DSA for signatures. It even enables a hybrid approach, combining classical encryption with PQC. There are transition challenges, implementation risks and bugs, but PQC is now easier to implement. - Kim Bozzella, Protiviti 11. McEliece Cryptosystem Code-based cryptography, specifically the McEliece cryptosystem, is a promising post-quantum solution. Its core strength lies in its decades of proven resistance to cryptanalysis. It relies on the difficulty of decoding general linear codes, which is believed to be intractable for quantum computers. However, its main weakness is its very large public key size, which poses practical challenges. - Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi, Microsoft 12. Blockchain Plus Post-Quantum Encryption Blockchain, when paired with post-quantum encryption, shows real promise in securing future digital ecosystems. Its decentralized nature adds resilience, while quantum-resistant algorithms protect data integrity. The challenge lies in scalability and retrofitting existing chains, but it's a strong foundation for long-term security. - Adrian Stelmach, EXPLITIA 13. BIKE BIKE, a code-based key encapsulation method, is one to watch. It's less talked about than Kyber but brings solid speed and compact key sizes to the table. The challenge? It's still maturing and needs more scrutiny from the cryptographic community. But in a diverse post-quantum toolkit, BIKE could play a quiet but important role. - Umesh Kumar Sharma 14. HQC-KEM HQC-KEM shows strong promise. Its power comes from classic code-based hardness plus a quasi-cyclic trick that slashes McEliece-size keys to ~10-20 KB, delivers constant-time operations, and resists known side-channel attacks. The trade-offs are that ciphertexts remain bulky and the decoding step is compute-hungry, so resource-constrained or high-throughput environments need careful optimization. - Pawan Anand, Ascendion 15. Picnic Picnic, a post-quantum signature scheme based on zero-knowledge proofs, shows promise by avoiding reliance on lattices or number-theoretic assumptions. This diversification strengthens its resilience against unforeseen quantum breakthroughs. However, its large signature sizes and slower verification limit practicality for real-time or resource-constrained systems. - Rahul Wankhede, Humana 16. SPHINCS+ I'm bullish on SPHINCS+ for digital signatures. It's hash-based, meaning its security relies on well-understood SHA-2/SHA-3 rather than exotic math. For mobile apps handling sensitive data, this conservative approach appeals to me. The downside? Signature sizes are massive—sometimes 40 KB. That's painful for bandwidth-constrained mobile apps, but the peace of mind might be worth it. - Marc Fischer, Dogtown Media LLC 17. Google Cloud I would honestly go with Google Cloud, since it would have the most to lose on the data front if its cryptography is ever cracked. Its strength is that you are backed by a huge player that takes data security seriously. Its weakness is that it is large and therefore a common target for all who wish to crack crypto algorithms—and in the same vein, for them, there's a lot to gain. - WaiJe Coler, InfoTracer 18. FrodoKEM FrodoKEM is a learning-with-errors-based algorithm designed without structured lattices, offering 'conservative' cryptography. Its biggest strength is transparency, built from simple, well-understood math. However, it comes with a trade-off: significantly larger key sizes and slower performance than competitors like Kyber. This limits its practicality in resource-limited systems. - Jagadish Gokavarapu, Wissen Infotech 19. Hash-Based XMSS Hash-based XMSS stands out for post-quantum security. With global cyberthreats, regulatory shifts and quantum risks rising, it's NIST-endorsed, offering robust digital signatures for banking. Its strengths are high security and efficient signing. Its weaknesses are complex implementation and higher computational costs. By 2030, it will secure transactions, but it needs simplification. Discipline drives trust and resilience. - Kalyan Gottipati, Citizens Financial Group, Inc. 20. Kyber Plus Dilithium NIST has finalized its first PQC standards with Kyber for encryption and Dilithium for digital signatures. The challenge is bringing them into embedded systems such as cars, planes and medical devices, where performance, security and reliability must all scale together. A solution is working with semiconductor partners already delivering early silicon optimized for quantum-safe cryptography. - Javed Khan, Aptiv
