Topics in Cryptography

4.0 credits

In this course students will learn about the current state of Public Key Cryptography. In particular the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) process to solicit, evaluate, and standardize one or more quantum-resistant public-key cryptographic algorithms will be discussed. Quantum-Resistant Cryptography (QRC) refers to cryptographic systems that are secure against both quantum and classical computers. Such systems may be achieved through classical (i.e. non-quantum) means. The security of many commonly used cryptographic protocols (especially public-key cryptosystems) would be compromised if general-purpose large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers became a reality. This course covers the consequences of Quantum Computing and why it poses a threat to currently used cryptographic systems, and then discusses potential Post-Quantum cryptosystems designed to be resistant to such attacks.