NIST

Quantum-Safe Cryptography: Preparing for the Future Quantum computers could change the security landscape. Today, many systems rely on public-key schemes such as RSA and ECDSA to protect keys and identities. In a future where a powerful quantum computer exists, these schemes could be broken, allowing an attacker to read stored data or impersonate users. Data with long confidentiality needs—health records, legal documents, scientific data—could suffer for decades. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) aims to replace vulnerable parts of the security stack with quantum-resistant algorithms. Researchers favor lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate options. Standards bodies, including NIST, are testing and selecting candidates so software can switch without breaking compatibility. ...