Post-quantum Technology and Its Impact on Day-to-Day Life

For decades, digital security has relied on the idea that some problems are so hard that they are impossible for computers to resolve. The algorithms that encrypt some of the most performant Internet security protocols, known as RSA and ECC encryption, are built on this principle:

“With all the most powerful computers doing more calculations than you ever could, it would still take them until at least 2040 to crack those codes.”

Quantum computing changes that assumption. 

Quantum computers, which can calculate 100 or even thousands of times faster than traditional computers, can crack modern encryption that we currently use to secure electronic communication— in a fraction of the time.

This coming wave has ushered in post-quantum technology—the next generation of tools, standards, and systems to ensure information can be kept secure even in a quantum-enabled world. 

post-quantum technology is not just about science, it’s going to impact everyone in the way we shop online, use banking apps, OTT or  messaging platforms, or store documents in the Cloud.

In this blog, we delve into:

• What ‘post-quantum’ technology actually is

• Why it’s important

• What life looks like in a world where it becomes the norm

Let’s begin:

What is post-quantum Technology

Quantum computers are not simply souped-up versions of the computers we use now. Instead, the revolutionary technology works on an entirely different principle— quantum bits (qubits)—which can exist in multiple states at the same time. Because of this, quantum machines can perform some calculations far faster than even the strongest supercomputers that exist today.

The problem is that many of our digital defenses — everything from encrypted emails to online banking — partly depend on the belief that math problems are highly complicated and time-consuming. Finding a solution for them would take an impossibly long time or require far too much computation on modern computers.

But many such problems could be cracked incredibly easily by a quantum computer.

That’s where post-quantum cryptography steps in. It is a term generally describing cryptographic methods that are resistant to attacks by both classical and quantum computers. These techniques rely on post-quantum algorithms that have been crafted around math problems thought to remain hard even in a quantum age.

When people talk about post-quantum technology, they’re talking about this whole web of protections: 

• New encryption standards

• New communication protocols

• The ways our digital infrastructures are being reimagined for the quantum age

Sounds so technical?

But the importance and impact of quantum computing technology go beyond technical circles. To anyone who uses a phone, stores data in the cloud, or manages a bank account online, post-quantum technology will soon be an invisible but vital layer of everyday life.

Let’s find out how:

Everyday Digital Interactions at Risk

Generally, we can’t even think about encryption when we pay our bills online, log into our email, or swipe a card at the grocery store. We only notice security when it breaks. 

The algorithms securing these interactions today are strong enough to keep the hackers away. But the emergence of quantum computing has raised the possibility that protection may come to an abrupt end.

Just think of what might result if you confidential chats or banking details are revealed to hackers!!!

Well, this might be possible in the quantum age. Because quantum computers are designed to process complex calculations so quickly that it would make encryption standards that now protect much of the world’s data — from financial transactions and government communications to personal emails and health records — obsolete. This would risk the following:

Financial data: Online banking activities and credit card payments could be intercepted and decrypted in nanoseconds. People’s personal savings, investments, and digital wallets would all be exposed.

Medical records: These private and personal patient files held in hospital databases or clouds could be swiped, stole,n or altered. The untouchable quality we once thought we had with our privacy would be gone.

Private communication: Messages sent using encrypted apps, once assumed to be safe, might be visible in plain view to anyone with quantum access.

Government and identity systems: Social Security numbers, passports, or tax records could be opened for misuse in an epidemic of fraud.

This is where post-quantum encryption comes into play. In contrast to current encryption protocols, post-quantum encryption is build upon much stronger algorithms making them withstand even the worst of quantum computing attacks.

How post-quantum Security Affects Everyday Life

The term “post-quantum security” sounds abstract – but its tangible impact will be felt once quantum computers become practical. 

Basically, it’s a set of security measures aimed to protect everyday digital activities against quantum threats. Though the technology may operate in secret, you’ll feel the benefits everywhere in daily life. Here’re some examples:

Online Shopping and Banking: When you sign into a password-protected account or type your card information at an online checkout, the data flows through networks that rely on encryption. post-quantum security means even if a quantum computer intercepts and decodes that data, it will still be unreadable. Consumers, meanwhile, retain confidence in digital payments and online financial transactions.

Smart Homes and Connected Devices: The more IoT devices that are used, the closer the household is to a wireless attack. These tiny systems have weak security, and so they are prime targets for cyber attacks. With post-quantum protection, the commands and information passed through these appliances will be kept safe, ensuring no one can have unauthorized access to your home’s devices.

Cloud Storage and Digital Identity: Unknowingly, all of day-to-day digital activities and files are stored in the cloud. Even as the world migrates to the quantum era, post-quantum encryption will protect our sensitive information, such as tax returns, legal documents, academic research. Likewise, identity verification instruments will be reinforced in order for logins and digital signatures to be secure against quantum threats.

Everyday Peace of Mind: Nobody should have to fear their health records will be exposed or that they will lose their life savings overnight. In the digital world, when we can bring post-quantum cryptography into routine use, it will seem like a more trusting place rather than a place vulnerable to bad actors armed with powerful technologies to steal users data.

In other words, post-quantum security will provide protection without requiring constant attention.

The Outpost of the Future Architecture: post-quantum Blockchain

Finance has been among the first industries to adopt new technologies, and blockchain sets a clear example. Cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi) are all based on cryptographic protocols for establishing trust in the absence of central authorities. But these systems are based on the sort of algorithms that quantum computers could someday break, exposing assets and transactions.

This flaw has posed some pressing questions around the fate of digital finance where billions of dollars-worth of cryptocurrencies would be vulnerable. That’s why scientists/developers are building quantum resistant blockchain.

What Is post-quantum Blockchain?

A post-quantum secure blockchain uses advanced encryption algorithms that are immune against classic and quantum-based attacks. The new models are introducing post-quantum algorithms, unlike today’s blockchains that use elliptic curve cryptography to ensure that your digital data isn’t compromised.

Impact on Cryptocurrencies and DeFi

For the average digital wallet user, or someone using a retail crypto trading app, this change will be crucial. Now think about working for years to save split-second payments in cryptocurrency, only to have the network fall victim to an attack overnight. Post Post-quantum blockchain systems are intended to prevent just that scenario by toughening up the digital locks that secure these assets. In DeFi, no less than smart contracts (ie, automated agreements put into lines of code) will require PQ protections in order to ensure trust and reliability.

Broader Financial Systems

It’s not just people who invest in cryptocurrencies who should care. A number of banks and other institutions are testing blockchain for payments, trade finance, and recordkeeping. Moving to post-quantum blockchain models will allow these systems to continue to be reliable and steadfast even in the next quantum leap forward.

In other words, the world cannot wait for quantum computers to become an imminent risk before acting. Now is the time to construct secure blockchain systems in order to protect tomorrow’s digital economy.

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