Quantum Information Systems: The State of Post-Quantum Cryptography as a Means to Combat Shor's Algorithm Run on a Scalable Quantum Computer

摘要

A true quantum computer will require quantum algorithms to be implemented, and a major concern related to cryptography is the exponential speed increase that quantum computing could provide. Two quantum algorithms that are creating these concerns are Grover's and Shor's. Both are related to speeding up fundamental computing problems, but the ramifications of the speed-up related to Shor's algorithm could cause a much greater danger than Grover's. These algorithms are unfamiliar to many, and tend to use some form of a stream cipher, which is not sensitive to the use of factoring large numbers. The results found in the subsequent examples show there are post-quantum encryption options that can be easily integrated within a standard LINUX framework. It is the quantum algorithms, designed to compromise the encrypted data that would use quantum algorithms such as Shor's, that will need to run on a quantum computer to be effective. It does appear to be a matter of time before deploying that level of protection becomes critical. A cloud architect should be proactive to this threat, rather than reactive. Therefore, devising proactive procedures for quantum attacks need to be an ongoing process.