Cryptography in an era of quantum computers

Namen te diplomske naloge je raziskati vpliv kvantnih računalnikov na kriptografijo in razvoj post-kvantne kriptografije. V diplomski nalogi širši javnosti predstavimo koncept kriptografije in kvantnih računalnikov ter identificiramo problem, ki ga kvantni računalniki predstavljajo trenutnim kriptografskim algoritmom, kateri so podlaga za celotno informacijsko varnost. Diplomska naloga opisuje osnovna načela kriptografije in kvantne mehanike. Poglablja se v široko uporabljene kriptografske algoritme ter razvoj in delovanje kvantnih računalnikov. Raziskuje tudi izzive, ki jih predstavljajo kvantni računalniki na področju kriptografije in njihovo zmožnost razreševanja trenutno najbolj uporabljenih kriptografskih algoritmov. Kot posledica tega pa predstavi post-kvantno kriptografijo in nekatere trenutne post-kvantne kriptografske algoritme. Na koncu pa analizira in pregleduje vlogo inštitucij in njihovih prizadevanj pri napredku post-kvantne kriptografije in kvantnega računalništva na svetovni, Evropski in Slovenski ravni.The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the impact of quantum computers on cryptography and the development of post-quantum cryptography. In the diploma thesis, we present the concept of cryptography and quantum computers to the general public and identify the problem that quantum computers present to the current cryptographic algorithms which are the basis for the entire field of information security. The thesis describes the basic principles of cryptography and quantum mechanics. It delves into widely used cryptographic algorithms and the development and operation of quantum computers. It also explores the challenges posed by quantum computers in the field of cryptography and their ability to solve the current most used cryptographic algorithms. Because of that it introduces post-quantum cryptography and some current post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. In addition, it analyses and reviews the role of institutions and their efforts in the progress of post-quantum cryptography and quantum computing on a global, European and Slovenian level