Time to read: 4 minutes 44 seconds | Published: August 1, 2025
Post-Quantum Cryptography What is Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), also known as quantum resistance, is quantum-resistant cryptography that can withstand powerful quantum computers. PQC uses mathematical problems that are resistant to classical and quantum attacks, unlike RSA and ECC, which can be cracked by quantum algorithms like Shor's algorithm.
- What is the importance of post-quantum cryptography?
- What are the key components of post-quantum cryptography?
- What is the relationship to quantum cryptography?
- What are the benefits of post-quantum cryptography?
- What is the future of post-quantum cryptography?
- HPE and post-quantum cryptography
What is the importance of post-quantum cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography does not use quantum mechanics or hardware. Modern encryption, including lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate cryptography, are used on classical computers. These methods protect sensitive data and systems from quantum attacks via strong encryption, key sharing, and digital signatures.
PQC will be essential for secure digital communications and infrastructure as quantum computing evolves. Staying ahead of new dangers, organizations and governments are adopting PQC guidelines.
What are the key components of post-quantum cryptography?
Several Post-Quantum Cryptography methods are based on hard mathematical problems claimed to be safe against quantum attacks:
- Lattice-based cryptography: One of the most mature and well-researched topics of cryptography, lattice-based encryption relies on the complexity of solving problems in multidimensional grids. It allows homomorphic encryption, digital signatures, and encryption. It serves as the basis for various NIST-standardized algorithms.
- Hash-based signatures: These have been studied for decades and are utilized to secure hash functions, establishing digital signatures. They're safe and well-understood, although they're ideal for signing data rather than encrypting it and have key reuse limits.
- Multivariate polynomial cryptography: This approach employs nonlinear polynomial equations over finite fields. Though key sizes can be huge, its high-speed operations and low computing requirements make it potential for digital signatures.
- Code-based cryptography: Based on error-correcting codes, it has an extensive record of security and is resistant to conventional and quantum assaults. It's great for encryption but produces big public keys, which might be a problem in some applications.
- Isogeny-based cryptography: The newer and more experimental isogeny-based encryption employs mathematical mappings, termed isogenies, between elliptic curves. It supports very small key sizes and is promising for key exchange protocols, although it's less mature than other families and under close inspection.
Each component has its pros and cons in terms of speed, key size, implementation complexity, and applicability to specific use cases. In the post-quantum era, this diversity helps cryptographers and engineers pick the correct method based on individual demands and limitations.
What is the relationship to quantum cryptography?
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Cryptography handle quantum security from distinct perspectives and are not interchangeable. Quantum cryptography, especially Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), uses quantum physics to secure communication channels. Eavesdropping detection and key secrecy using physical principles are its core goals, however, it requires quantum hardware and optical infrastructure.
Post-Quantum Cryptography is classical computing only. It entails creating cryptographic algorithms that can survive quantum computer assaults yet be deployed on current devices, networks, and systems without quantum infrastructure. This makes PQC more accessible and scalable for industry implementation.
These techniques are complementary, not competitive. Quantum cryptography is best for niche use cases that need perfect secrecy and hardware investment. PQC works better for general encryption and digital signatures.
What are the benefits of post-quantum cryptography?
The urgency behind PQC is strategic, not theoretical. Encrypted data can remain sensitive for years or even decades. As quantum computers improve, hostile actors can harvest encrypted data and store it for later decryption—a “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attack scenario. PQC overcomes this problem by guaranteeing encryption technologies can withstand time and technology.
By proactively adopting PQC, organizations can:
- Keep critical data, intellectual property, and national secrets confidential.
- Stay ahead of adversaries to reduce company risk.
- Promote compliance and ensure future regulatory alignment, particularly when NIST standards become mandatory.
- Integrate crypto agility into infrastructure to avoid costly, reactive shifts.
- Increase digital trust by showing partners and consumers that security is proactive.
PQC goes beyond quantum future preparation. It requires resilience and leadership in a changing threat landscape. One of the most crucial steps a business can take to safeguard its digital foundation.
What is the future of post-quantum cryptography?
The future of Post-Quantum Cryptography is happening quickly. With the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s multi-year initiative to standardize quantum-resistant algorithms nearing completion, a global cryptographic shift is imminent. Final algorithms like CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium are being tested in public and private sectors.
As we move, hybrid cryptographic systems—combining classical and post-quantum algorithms—will become common. These let systems gradually incorporate quantum resistance while retaining infrastructure compatibility. It's essential to quantum preparedness.
PQC adoption is expected to become essential in banking, defense, telecommunications, and healthcare within the next 3–5 years. Starting now—auditing cryptographic assets, planning migration, and investing in crypto-agile architecture—will help organizations adapt without interruption.
This technology isn't futuristic. Organizations must act now. Quantum computers are now unthreatening, but they will be. PQC keeps us ahead.
HPE and post-quantum cryptography
HPE is offering multi-pronged support to clients throughout the post-quantum transition:
- Crypto agility: Allowing systems to adopt new cryptographic methods without considerable modification.
- Standards alignment: Monitoring NIST and worldwide standards for timely compliance and implementation.
- Supply chain security: PQC in hardware, firmware, and lifecycle management.
- Customer enablement: Enterprise-specific services, education, and migration paths.
- HPE iLO 7: Embedded ASIC with post-quantum cryptography features, enabling resilient remote management and safeguarding critical infrastructure against future quantum threats.