Post-Quantum Cryptography Channel Segmentation for Quantum Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryptographic systems, such as RSA and Diffie-Hellman, are vulnerable to quantum computers, which can potentially break modern public-key encryption using algorithms like Shor's and Grover's, necessitating a migration to quantum-resistant algorithms, but this migration is complex due to the sheer volume and complexity of data and systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) systems that use PQC communications channel-based cryptographic techniques, hash-based, lattice-based, isogeny-based, code-based, and zero-knowledge proof techniques to secure data transmission, employing a hybrid approach to mitigate vulnerabilities by separating communication into classical and PQC channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If quantum computers are deployed, then computational power and problem-solving capability are improved, but security of current cryptographic systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments cryptographic operations into two distinct channels: a classical communications channel for transmitting overhead data and a PQC communications channel for transmitting payload data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing infrastructure while simultaneously implementing quantum-resistant security, thus addressing the security deterioration caused by quantum computational power without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a PQC communications channel before quantum computers become a practical threat. The system proactively migrates to PQC algorithms now, rather than waiting for quantum computers to be deployed, thereby preventing future security vulnerabilities before they occur.
2Reliability
If migration to PQC systems is implemented, then security against quantum computers is improved, but system complexity and migration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication data into two portions: overhead data transmitted over the classical channel and payload data transmitted over the PQC channel. This segmentation reduces migration complexity by allowing the overhead data to continue using familiar classical cryptographic methods while only the payload data requires PQC implementation, thus lowering the barrier to adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hybrid system that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains backward compatibility with classical cryptographic infrastructure while implementing forward-looking PQC security. The classical communications channel continues to handle authentication and key exchange, while the PQC communications channel handles data encryption, creating a multi-functional system that eases migration.
3Reliability
If complete PQC migration is performed, then quantum security is improved, but compatibility with existing infrastructure worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cryptographic protocol into two parallel pathways: one using classical cryptography for overhead data and another using PQC for payload data. This allows existing infrastructure to continue operating with classical methods while new security requirements are met through the PQC channel, maintaining adaptability across both old and new systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the classical communications channel as an intermediary that bridges between existing infrastructure and new PQC requirements. The classical channel transmits authentication data and establishes the foundation for secure communication, while the PQC channel builds upon this foundation to provide quantum-resistant payload encryption, thus mediating between incompatible systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for PQC. An example method includes transmitting a first portion of an electronic communication to a client device over a non-PQC communications channel, wherein the client device comprises a PQC shim circuitry. The example method further includes transmitting one or more communications between a PQC callback circuitry and the client device over a PQC communications channel, wherein the client device is a non-PQC device. The example method further includes transmitting a second portion of the electronic communication to the client device over a PQC communications channel.