Post-Quantum Cryptography: Designing Secure Cryptographic Systems to Withstand the Threat of Quantum Computing Attacks

Abstract

The emergence of quantum computing poses a serious threat to traditional communication systems, endangering the security of digital communications and critical infrastructure. Although existing cryptographic algorithms (such as RSA and ECC) rely on the inefficiency of computing large numbers or solving logarithm inequality problems, quantum algorithms (especially Shor's algorithm) can solve these problems efficiently. To mitigate this threat, the field of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has emerged and focuses on developing cryptographic systems that are resilient to quantum attacks. The main techniques in PQC include lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptography. Lattice-based cryptography is the leading contender, providing high security and supporting good properties such as fully homomorphic encryption, but facing issues related to size and computational efficiency. Hash-based encryption enables strong digital signatures but has limitations. Code-based encryption based on error-correcting codes provides proof of security but requires small size. Multivariate polynomial cryptography has good performance but has drawbacks in some applications. While standardization efforts led by organizations such as NIST continue, PQC is at the forefront of protecting the digital future from the impact of quantum computing, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of information in the post-quantum era.