Quantum Computers, Quantum Threat & Post-Quantum Cryptography

The date "14 April" contains the rounded first three digits of the Planck constant, a fundamental constant in quantum physics. Therefore, the "World Quantum Day" is celebrated on this date, a day on which researchers would like to give an understanding of quantum science and technology to the general public. Since the 14th of April is on a weekend this year, we celebrate "World Quantum Day" already on Friday 12th. Quantum computers can solve certain mathematical problems very efficiently. From a security point of view this is, however, rather problematic news, since this breaks the security of many cryptographic algorithms. Many applications and systems therefore currently switch to new quantum safe algorithms, the so-called post quantum cryptography algorithms. The Applied Cyber Security Research Lab explains during the "World Quantum Day", how this change can be done and what consequences it has. Additionally, we have built a quantum safe communication channel between HSLU and FHNW which you can try out yourself.