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The rise of quantum computing has brought both excitement and concern to the field of cybersecurity. On one hand, quantum computers promise breakthroughs in solving complex ¡ª even existential ¡ª problems. On the other hand, they threaten to render current encryption methods obsolete.
To address the cybersecurity threat of quantum computers, two approaches have emerged: Quantum cryptography and post-quantum cryptography (PQC). While quantum cryptography is still largely theoretical, PQC offers practical solutions that are available today.
What is quantum cryptography?
Quantum cryptography is an emerging field that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to secure communication. It is often associated with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a technique that leverages the behavior of quantum particles (such as photons) to exchange encryption keys securely. Any attempt to intercept these particles changes their state, making it possible to detect eavesdropping.
Unlike traditional cryptography, which relies on computational difficulty, quantum cryptography is theoretically unbreakable due to the laws of physics (e.g., the no-cloning theorem).
Despite its promise, quantum cryptography is not yet practical for widespread use. It requires specialized hardware like quantum communication networks or satellites, which are expensive and not widely available.
Therefore, while quantum cryptography represents a fascinating future possibility, it remains largely confined to research labs and experimental setups.
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What is post-quantum cryptography (PQC)?
Post-quantum cryptography, in contrast, is a practical solution that addresses the threats posed by quantum computers today. Unlike quantum cryptography, PQC does not rely on quantum mechanics. Instead, it uses advanced mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers.
PQC algorithms are based on computational problems ¡ª such as lattice-based or hash-based cryptography ¡ª that are hard for both classical and quantum computers to solve. As a result, they protect against "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, where encrypted data is stored today for decryption using future quantum computers.
PQC has already progressed beyond theory and is being actively developed and deployed by organizations worldwide. For example, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been leading efforts to standardize PQC algorithms.
Synopsys post-quantum cryptography solutions
Synopsys is at the forefront of post-quantum cryptographic solutions, offering products that organizations can adopt today to secure their systems against future threats from quantum computing. Our solutions include:
- Agile PQC Public Key Accelerators (PKAs)
- Support NIST-approved PQC algorithms such as ML-KEM and XMSS.
- Designed for diverse applications ranging from IoT devices to cloud infrastructures.
- Enable hybrid modes that combine traditional RSA/ECC with PQC for smooth transitions.
- Crypto agility for future-proofing
- Our PQC PKAs include hardware and firmware components that make them adaptable as cryptographic standards evolve.
- These solutions ensure long-term security without requiring changes to hardware when standards evolve.
- Comprehensive security portfolio
- We also offer cryptographic cores, true random number generators (TRNGs), and physical unclonable functions (PUFs) that are quantum safe.
- Our solutions provide robust protection against side-channel attacks and other vulnerabilities.
Preparing for a quantum world today
While quantum cryptography holds great promise for securing communications through the laws of physics, it remains largely theoretical and isn¡¯t supported by available solutions. In contrast, post-quantum cryptography provides practical solutions that are available now to protect against future threats from quantum computers.
With scalable and adaptable PQC solutions that can be implemented on existing infrastructure, organizations can prepare for a quantum world without waiting for theoretical breakthroughs in quantum cryptography. And they can dramatically improve cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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1 min read
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Feb 20, 2025
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