NIST’s Andrew Regenscheid Explains the Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

NIST is developing and promoting post-quantum cryptography standards to help organizations protect data and internet traffic from future quantum computer threats. NIST cryptography expert Andrew Regenscheid explained that organizations need to begin preparing for PQC migration because encrypted data may already face “harvest now, decrypt later” risks. The agency’s PQC standards process involved global research, public evaluation, and technical review to create algorithms designed for adoption across modern digital systems. Press release – From our bank accounts to smartphones, all our sensitive data and devices are protected with a technology known as cryptography. Present-day cryptography essentially uses a very challenging set of math problems that are nearly impossible for current computers to solve. These math problems act as a “lock” to keep hackers or spies away from the personal information in your “house.” But experts are working to develop specialized machines known as quantum computers. Quantum computers have incredible potential to do tasks that current computers struggle with, such as discovering new medications. The downside is that they may also have the potential to thwart today’s cryptography. Sufficiently powerful versions of these machines could put all our personal information, financial transactions, and business and government secrets at…