Quantum computers and the quest for quantum-resilient encryption
Entangled Secrets
The encryption methods we use today are no match for tomorrow's quantum computers. We'll show you why and what's ahead for cryptography in the post-quantum era.
Encryption is an everyday part of life on today's Internet. Encryption protocols facilitate virtual private networks (VPNs), protect corporate secrets, and validate banking transactions. Encryption is also the secret sauce behind technologies such as digital signatures and blockchain. The beauty of encryption is that, even if an observer intercepts the transmitted data, the original contents of the message remains hidden from view.
End users and corporations alike have come to depend on encrypted private communication over public networks, but many experts believe the way we think about encryption today will have to change if we want our secrets to stay secret. Cryptographers are looking ahead for a new form of encryption that will meet the needs of the post-quantum era.
The Problem
A quantum computer is a computer that is designed to exploit the mysterious features of quantum mechanics. The basic unit of a conventional computer is binary (0 or 1). A quantum computer, on the other hand, is built around the quantum bit, or qubit, which assumes multiple states simultaneously.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
VirtualBox 7.2 Has Arrived
With early support for Linux kernel 6.17 and other new additions, VirtualBox 7.2 is a must-update for users.
-
Linux Mint 22.2 Beta Available for Testing
Some interesting new additions and improvements are coming to Linux Mint. Check out the Linux Mint 22.2 Beta to give it a test run.
-
Debian 13.0 Officially Released
After two years of development, the latest iteration of Debian is now available with plenty of under-the-hood improvements.
-
Upcoming Changes for MXLinux
MXLinux 25 has plenty in store to please all types of users.
-
A New Linux AI Assistant in Town
Newelle, a Linux AI assistant, works with different LLMs and includes document parsing and profiles.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Released with Minor Fixes
The latest Linux kernel doesn't really include any big-ticket features, just a lot of lines of code.
-
EU Sovereign Tech Fund Gains Traction
OpenForum Europe recently released a report regarding a sovereign tech fund with backing from several significant entities.
-
FreeBSD Promises a Full Desktop Installer
FreeBSD has lacked an option to include a full desktop environment during installation.
-
Linux Hits an Important Milestone
If you pay attention to the news in the Linux-sphere, you've probably heard that the open source operating system recently crashed through a ceiling no one thought possible.
-
Plasma Bigscreen Returns
A developer discovered that the Plasma Bigscreen feature had been sitting untouched, so he decided to do something about it.