Post-Quantum Cryptography
Post-Quantum Cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms that are believed to be resistant to attacks by quantum computers. As quantum computing advances, current encryption methods will become vulnerable, making post-quantum algorithms essential for long-term security.
# WHAT TEAMS RUN INTO
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Post-quantum algorithms have not been thoroughly analyzed. Traditional cryptographic algorithms were tested for decades before becoming standard. Post-quantum algorithms are newer, and unknown vulnerabilities might be discovered.
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Post-quantum keys and ciphertexts are larger than current algorithms. Key sizes double or triple, signature sizes increase, and the bandwidth overhead adds up across millions of systems.
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Migration to post-quantum cryptography is a multi-year effort. Every system using encryption — networks, servers, applications, devices — must be upgraded or replaced. The transition period requires both old and new algorithms to coexist.
# WHY IT MATTERS
Post-quantum cryptography is a hedge against an uncertain future. If a breakthrough in quantum computing happens, all current encryption becomes retroactively vulnerable. Adversaries practicing 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks are already collecting encrypted data to decrypt once quantum computers are available. Organizations that don't migrate to post-quantum cryptography are betting that quantum computers won't happen soon enough to matter — a bet with catastrophic downside.