Quantum-Safe Cryptography and Migration
Quantum computers have swiftly moved from theory to reality, and although these machines have the potential to revolutionize entire industries, they also bring new risks. IBM Research is working on cryptographic algorithms that are believed to be secure against the added computational capabilities of quantum computers.
Overview
IBM Research has a long history in creating and implementing cryptography. As we prepare to enter an exciting era of quantum computing, we are again leading the foundational challenges to create the next generation of cryptography. We’ve been working with the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for years to design new generations of public key cryptography; all four algorithms from this partnership were selected to be standardized by NIST. We understood what it takes to migrate some of our key platforms to become quantum-safe and have been working with key clients to help them on the same journey.
Quantum-safe cryptography (QSC) involves new complex mathematical problems, which can be implemented on normal computers and devices to replace classical cryptography. Migrating to the new cryptography algorithms will be a necessary step for organizations, products, and services to become quantum-safe.
Assessing where cryptography is being used today and prioritizing migration is a significant challenge. While there isn't a fully standardized set of algorithms for quantum-safe key exchange or digital signatures, the threat of quantum computing to asymmetric cryptography is well recognized. It’s also instrumental to prepare organizations now for a full transition to QSC as soon as possible. Actions need to be put in place to establish an inventory of crypto-algorithms currently in use, to ensure those that are vulnerable to quantum computing can readily be migrated.Explore IBM Quantum Safe
Our work
Bringing quantum-safe security to IBM Quantum Platform, and the world
NewsChristopher Codella, Michael Maximilien, Paula Austel, Paul Schweigert, Mariam John, Navaneeth Rameshan, Martin Schmatz, Joachim Schäfer, and Robert DavisNIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards are here
NewsMichael Osborne, Katia Moskvitch, and Jennifer JanechekCrypto-agility and quantum-safe readiness
ExplainerRay Harishankar, Michael Osborne, Jai S. Arun, John Buselli, and Jennifer JanechekHow a scientist’s lifelong love of puzzles led to cryptography that could help quantum-proof the world
Deep DiveKatia MoskvitchCharting a path to quantum-safe transformation through industry initiatives
ExplainerLory Thorpe, John Buselli, and Jennifer JanechekThe era of quantum utility must also be the era of responsible quantum computing
ExplainerMira Wolf-Bauwens and Ryan Mandelbaum- See more of our work on Quantum-Safe Cryptography and Migration
Projects
Quantum Threat and Quantum-safe Migration
Helping businesses to migrate to quantum safe cryptography
Publications
- Jonathan Bootle
- Vadim Lyubashevsky
- et al.
- 2020
- CRYPTO 2020
- Vadim Lyubashevsky
- Ngoc Khanh Nguyen
- et al.
- 2020
- CCS 2020
- Felix Günther
- Simon Rastikian
- et al.
- 2022
- ACNS 2022
- Alexey Galda
- Elica Kyoseva
- et al.
- 2024
- QCE 2024
- Ward Beullens
- 2024
- SAC 2024
- Ngoc Khanh Nguyen
- Gregor Seiler
- 2024
- CRYPTO 2024