The BSI, the Federal Office for Information Security, publishes guidelines on the current status of quantum-secure cryptography. The report can be downloaded free of charge from the BSI.
Quantum computers, quantum cryptography and quantum technologies - developments in this area seem increasingly confusing. The new guidelines of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) "Designing cryptography quantum-secure - basics, developments, recommendations" summarizes the current state of research. The guideline provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, illuminates the interrelationships of the latest developments, discusses current measures and names open research questions. He also describes the opportunities and risks of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which as a solution for quantum-secure cryptography still leaves some questions unanswered, but is met with great interest and is strongly promoted.
Opportunities and Risks of Quantum Key Distribution
The publication is aimed in particular at manufacturers and operators of information and communication technology in order to initiate and secure the migration to quantum-secure cryptography in good time. Information security is the prerequisite for successful digitization in Germany. With the guideline, the BSI would like to draw particular attention to the importance of the topic, since first of all, awareness of the problem is important for a migration.
Quantum technologies will have a major impact on information security in the future, as the development of powerful quantum computers endangers the security of the public key cryptography used today. The currently available quantum computers are not yet able to do this, but development is progressing rapidly. As the federal cyber security authority, the BSI is actively shaping the necessary cryptographic upheaval.
Discussion basis for quantum secure cryptography
With the guidelines, the BSI creates a basis for discussions with the IT security community on quantum secure cryptography. In this way, further research is to be driven forward, developments observed, open questions addressed and the findings brought together under one roof.
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About the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is the federal cyber security authority and the creator of secure digitization in Germany. The guiding principle: As the federal cyber security authority, the BSI designs information security in digitization through prevention, detection and reaction for the state, economy and society.