PQC versus QKD
The ongoing development of quantum computers affects the security of currently used encryption and authentication schemes. Therefore, this document presents ‘Post Quantum Cryptography’ (PQC) and ‘Quantum Key Distribution’ (QKD). PQC describes software based approaches for quantum safe encryption and signatures. In contrast to this, QKD creates secret shared random numbers for encryption via the exchange of special light states where evasdropping would be detected due to fundamental rules of quantum mechanics.
Both approaches are explained in detail and current standardisations and recommendations are presented. Futhermore realisations and recommendations regarding a migration from currently used methods for encryption and signatures are presented.
WiN-Lab Research: PQC versus QKD
Felix Trunk, Martin Seidel, Sascha Schweiger. March 2024