What Is Quantum Cryptography and Why Does it Matter to K–12 Education?

Why K–12 Education Will Need Quantum Cryptography

A core quantum physics principle is that observing a quantum process influences its outcome in ways that can’t be hidden. This reality will be crucial to cybersecurity teams in the coming quantum age, according to the experts at IBM Think. Cyber defenders, for instance, will likely combine quantum computers and a process called quantum key distribution to encrypt access to documents, data streams and transactions. 

An adversary trying to break this encryption will have to observe the quantum keys’ creation. But observation creates quantum clues that give the adversary away. “In this way, QKD systems are considered to be unhackable,” IBM Think experts write in a summary on quantum cryptography. 

Quantum computers will eventually be able to apply quantum encryption to their most sensitive data. Techniques such as QKD might be used to protect students’ grades and other personally identifiable information from prying eyes. Even if they have quantum computers, nation-state actors and criminal gangs will face tall odds trying to circumvent quantum encryption. 

RELATED: Schools prepare students for the future with quantum computing programs.

How To Get Ready for the Quantum Future

Today’s open networks and online transactions cannot function without encryption. For decades, encryption has relied on mathematics to create extremely intricate cryptographic riddles that even the most powerful digital computers needed a lifetime to solve. 

“A fully functional quantum computer — should one be perfected — might potentially find the solution in only a matter of minutes,” IBM Think cautions. 

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Nation-states and malicious actors are collecting encrypted data so they can read it with future quantum computers. These risks prompted the National Institute of Standards and Technology to devise post-quantum encryption standards that give organizations practical tools for managing potential threats. 

The Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition provides a four-stage PQC Migration Roadmap. The high points: 

• Zero in on data lifespan. Sensitive data that must be protected for decades should have the highest priority for post-quantum protection.
• Create accountability. Appoint somebody to lead your PQC team and grant them authority to collaborate with external vendors and internal IT, security and procurement staff.
• Inventory encrypted assets. Track down the data, documents and processes that depend on cryptography and make sure you know the algorithms doing the encryption.
• Design for flexibility. Algorithms and standards will evolve in the coming years. Make sure you can adapt with them.
• Engage vendors soon. Vendor readiness could be a significant constraint. The sooner you and your vendors get started on PQC migration, the lower your chance of a quantum encryption crisis a decade from now.