Cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract

Fault-tolerant Quantum Computers threaten the current cryptographic mechanisms on which the security of our day-to-day communication relies. Extensive research is conducted to find, so-called, Post-Quantum cryptographic primitives. In other words, cryptographic tools that should be hard to break for a quantum computer at scale. However, the security of these solutions is still reliant on a hard-problem and cannot guarantee 100% security. Quantum Cryptography, and Quantum Key Distribution in particular, provides this guarantee. Leveraging on fundamental quantum properties of nature, new and ultimate quantum-safe primitives can be built.

In my talk, we will discuss modern cryptography and its post-quantum solutions, to then dive into quantum cryptography and specifically in quantum key distribution. We will understand the mechanisms at their core, and explore the underlying differences and respective advantages.