The aim of this thesis is to study quantum computers and their impact on public-key cryptography. Crucial part of the work is dedicated to theoretical basis and definitions necessary for understanding the basic principles of quantum computers. The further chapters describe Shor's algorithm, explain the part of integer factoring problem in the security of current public key cryptographic algorithms, and show how to break the most widely used assymetric algorithm RSA by means of effective factoring. Last chapter provides comparison of classical factoring algorithms with Shors algorithm, mentions cryptography resistant to quantum computer attacks and discusses the current state of development in the field of qunatum computing. The conclusion summarizes both potential and real impact of quantum computers on public-key cryptography.
The aim of this thesis is to study quantum computers and their impact on public-key cryptography. Crucial part of the work is dedicated to theoretical basis and definitions necessary for understanding the basic principles of quantum computers. The further chapters describe Shor's algorithm, explain the part of integer factoring problem in the security of current public key cryptographic algorithms, and show how to break the most widely used assymetric algorithm RSA by means of effective factoring. Last chapter provides comparison of classical factoring algorithms with Shors algorithm, mentions cryptography resistant to quantum computer attacks and discusses the current state of development in the field of qunatum computing. The conclusion summarizes both potential and real impact of quantum computers on public-key cryptography.
This dissertation analyzes the impact of quantum computing on the security of classical cryptographic systems, with a focus on the vulnerability of the RSA algorithm. RSA cryptography is based on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, a task considered computationally very difficulty for classical computers. However, with quantum computing, especially through Shor’s algorithm—this barrier can be overcome. Shor’s algorithm allows factorization in polynomial time, which would completely compromise the security of RSA.The dissertation presents the theoretical foundations of both cryptography and quantum computing, explaining key concepts such as qubits, superposition, entanglement, and quantum parallelism. It details the operation of Shor’s algorithm, from identifying the period of the modular exponential function to applying the Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) and phase estimation to obtain the prime factors of a composite number.In addition to the theoretical component, the work includes practical implementations of the algorithm in both classical and simulated quantum environments, using IBM’s Qiskit library. Finally, it discusses post-quantum cryptography as a secure alternative in light of technological advancements, highlighting methods based on lattices, codes, hash functions, and multivariate systems.The conclusion emphasizes the urgency of adopting cryptographic systems resistant to quantum computing, as ongoing advances increasingly make the breaking of RSA a realistic threat. Post-quantum cryptography is mentioned as a necessary response to the challenge posed by quantum computing.In conclusion, although current quantum computers do not yet have sufficient power to break RSA in practice, technological progress is steadily bringing that scenario closer. Therefore, it is essential to develop and adopt quantum-resistant cryptographic systems to ensure information security in the coming decades.
This paper investigates the potential impact of quantum computing on the security of currently deployed cryptographic algorithms. The core premise is that the advent of powerful quantum computers, leveraging algorithms like Shor's algorithm and Grover's algorithm, poses a significant threat to widely used public-key cryptosystems and symmetric-key algorithms. We present a theoretical analysis of several key algorithms – RSA, ECC, and AES – examining their vulnerabilities when subjected to quantum attacks. Specifically, we explore the exponential speedup offered by Shor's algorithm for factoring large numbers, the impact on the key size of ECC, and the Grover's algorithm's influence on symmetric key search. Our work highlights the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum cryptography standards to mitigate the risks posed by this technological advancement. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of quantum cryptanalysis and its implications for the future of secure communication.
“Cryptographic Implications of Quantum Computing” explores the significant impact quantum computing will have on modern cryptographic systems. Cryptography is essential for maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity in digital communications, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and building trust in the digital economy. As quantum computing advances, traditional cryptographic systems will face new challenges. Also this chapter examines Shor's Algorithm, which poses a major threat to RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) by enabling quantum computers to efficiently solve the prime factorization and discrete logarithm problems, breaking these widely used public key cryptosystems. The potential of Grover's Algorithm is also discussed, highlighting its ability to speed up brute-force attacks on symmetric encryption systems like AES, halving the security of traditional symmetric-key algorithms. To mitigate these threats, the chapter suggests adopting AES-256 or longer key lengths, which are more resistant to quantum attacks, and recommends shifting to quantum-resistant algorithms for both symmetric and asymmetric encryptions. However, practical considerations, such as increased computational overhead and the challenges of transitioning to new systems, are also explored. The vulnerabilities of classical cryptographic systems particularly public-key methods like RSA and ECC, and symmetric key algorithms like AES and DES are examined in light of the capabilities of quantum computers. As quantum computing progresses, it is crucial for organizations and governments to adapt and adopt post-quantum cryptography to ensure data security in the quantum era. The chapter emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to protect sensitive information against the emerging quantum threats.
Cryptography has long been an essential tool in safeguarding digital communication and securing sensitive information. As technology has progressed, so has the complexity of the methods used to protect our data. In the wake of quantum computing's rise, traditional cryptographic systems face serious challenges, demanding a new understanding of how quantum algorithms could both undermine and enhance security. Chapter 1 deals with the Basics of Cryptography lays the groundwork by introducing classical cryptography, tracing its evolution from ancient ciphers to modern cryptosystems. In Chapter 2, readers are introduced to Quantum Algorithms, the principles of quantum mechanics relevant to computing, including qubits, superposition, and entanglement. The Chapter 3 focuses on Shor’s algorithm, a landmark quantum algorithm that threatens the security of widely used public-key cryptosystems like RSA and ECC. In Chapter 4 Grover’s Algorithm is examined in the context of brute-force attacks on symmetric key cryptography. Chapter 5 focusing on Simon’s Algorithm and its role in breaking cryptographic primitives through structure exploitation. In Chapter 6 a broader discussion about Cryptographic Implications of Quantum Computing is given on how quantum computing affects modern cryptographic systems. Finally, in Chapter 7, the future of cryptography in the quantum era is discussed.
Quantum computing is a big change in the way computers work, and it promises to be much faster than traditional systems. This new technology brings both huge benefits and huge problems, especially when it comes to cryptographic security measures. Classical encryption algorithms, like RSA and ECC, depend on the fact that some math problems are hard, like discrete logarithms and integer factorization. Quantum algorithms, like Shor's algorithm, can solve these problems quickly. Because of this, the development of scalable quantum computers poses a danger to the basic safety of the cryptography methods that are widely used today. This short summary looks at the big effects that quantum computing will have on the safety of cryptography. It looks at the security holes that quantum algorithms create and stresses how important it is to find answers for post-quantum cryptography (PQC). PQC wants to make programs that can't be broken by quantum attacks. This will make sure that digital interactions can still be private, secure, and real in a world powered by quantum computers. Also, switching to PQC comes with a lot of problems, such as implementing algorithms, making sure they are all the same, and getting people to use them in a lot of different technology environments. The abstract talks about current research projects and foreign partnerships that aim to standardize and implement PQC. It stresses how important it is to plan ahead to reduce the risks of the future.
The fast-evolving field of quantum computing provides a lot of computational advantages in its efficiency in solving problems, however, the emergence of quantum computing presents a double-edged sword for cybersecurity. This paper aims to examine the effects of quantum algorithms, specifically Shor’s algorithm, on the security of public-key cryptography, such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA). An examination of the Shor’s algorithm showed its capability to solve discrete logarithm and factorization problems much faster than classical computers, undermining the foundational structure of modern-day cryptographic protocols. The implications of quantum search algorithms, such as Grover’s algorithm, have also been explored alongside their influence on symmetric-key cryptography and hash functions. Furthermore, this study investigates the potential vulnerabilities in digital signature schemes and key-exchange protocols, exposing the strengths and weaknesses of current cryptographic methods in the face of quantum algorithms and highlighting the urgent need for robust quantum-resistant alternatives. Approximately 70% of literature reviewed emphasizes the critical vulnerability of existing cryptographic schemes to quantum algorithms. In conclusion, the vulnerabilities exposed by quantum algorithms necessitate a rapid switch to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PCQ) to safeguard digital infrastructure. The development of quantum-resistant solutions is critical for ensuring long-term cryptographic security in the face of the impending risks posed by quantum algorithms.