Post Quantum Cryptography Standardisation Project

Context: 

• The National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) of the US has started the Post Quantum Cryptography(PQC) Standardisation Project.

About the Project:

• The project would allow companies to have the proper encryption algorithms in place throughout the organization to defend against the quantum computer attacks. 
• The PQC standardization project is working to standardize the quantum-safe algorithms. 
• The idea behind this project is to prepare organizations for quantum cryptography before it becomes a real threat. 

What is a quantum-safe algorithm?

• A quantum-safe algorithm is resistant to attacks from both classical computers, which are the types of computers used today, and quantum computers. 
• This allows private information stored on devices or in transit in organizations to be the most secure possible, as even a quantum computer will not be able to break a quantum-safe algorithm within hours or days.

Post-quantum cryptography 

• Post-quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms (usually public-key algorithms) that are thought to be secure against an attack by a quantum computer. 

Quantum cryptography:

• Quantum cryptography uses the principles of quantum mechanics to send secure messages, and unlike mathematical encryption, is truly unhackable.

News Source: The Hindu