Post-Quantum Cryptography

Definitions

1. Cryptographic algorithms designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers. NIST standardized three post-quantum algorithms in 2024: ML-KEM (key encapsulation), ML-DSA (digital signatures), and SLH-DSA (hash-based signatures). Migration is urgent due to 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks where adversaries store encrypted data today to decrypt when quantum computers mature.

   In plain English: New encryption methods designed to be safe even when powerful quantum computers exist.

   Example: "Start migrating to post-quantum TLS now -- adversaries may be harvesting your encrypted traffic today to decrypt it with quantum computers in 10 years."

Related Terms

• Steganography
• PKI
• Homomorphic Encryption
• Public Key Cryptography
• Digital Signature
• Key Derivation Function
• HMAC
• API Key Rotation
• Post-Quantum