Events , RSA Conference , Video

Challenges in Adopting Post-Quantum Cryptography

Quantum computing poses a significant threat to existing public key cryptographic algorithms such as RSA, potentially rendering them obsolete. As the threat landscape grows exponentially with new developments in quantum computers' capabilities, cryptographic standards that can withstand quantum disruptions have become critical.

See Also: Rethinking Browser Security: From Risk to Asset

“Though at an early stage, quantum computing is expected to become highly potent in the next decade," said Marc Witteman, CEO, Riscure. "Quantum computers will be able to break RSA in seconds, which means that if we do nothing, then the internet will fall apart once these machines are mature. The new algorithms must be able to resist an attack using a quantum computer.”

He underscored the urgent need for industries and standard bodies to accelerate the development and deployment of secure, quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. While bodies such as NIST are making progress, widespread adoption is complicated by the inherent conservatism of the cryptography industry and historical hesitations to trust new standards, such as AES.

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at RSA Conference 2024, Witteman also discussed:

• The threats that quantum computers pose to existing encryption standards;
• The importance of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms;
• The challenges in adopting post-quantum cryptography standards.

Witteman has been involved in a variety of security projects for over three decades and worked on applications in mobile communications, payment industry, identification and pay television. His expertise ranges from logical and physical information security to cryptography and software development. As a security analyst, he co-developed several tools for testing hardware and software security.