Cryptology is an algorithm or encryption system used to ensure that a message can only be read by combining it with a key. For a cryptosystem to be considered secure, it must be impossible to decrypt the encrypted text without the key. The goal of cryptology is to transmit information in such a way that it reaches only the true recipient. Modern ciphers use a key, which is a set of specific parameters used in conjunction with the encryption and decryption algorithm. Ciphertext security depends on the secrecy of the key. There is no harm in publicly publishing the encryption and decryption algorithms.
The key consists of a long enough string of bits chosen completely at random. Once the key is generated, the rest of the communication takes place in a way that is vulnerable to passive eavesdropping of encrypted messages over a publicly accessible channel. Any classical key distribution can take place in an environment where legitimate users can always be passively eavesdropped on without realizing it.
Quantum cryptography is a system that, unlike traditional cryptographic systems, relies more on physical properties rather than mathematics in its key-oriented security model. Quantum cryptography uses the laws of quantum mechanics to ensure secure communication. It allows the two parties in the communication to generate a random bit sequence that only they can know, and to use this bit sequence to encrypt or decrypt messages. An important feature of quantum cryptography is that the communicating parties can detect the presence of a third party trying to obtain the key. This is related to the principle that measuring a quantum system can disrupt the system. A third party who wants to obtain the eavesdropped key has to measure the system, which causes some anomalies in the system. If the eavesdropping level is below a certain threshold, a secure key can be generated and communication can continue. But if there is eavesdropping above the threshold, it is not possible to generate a secure key, and communication is stopped. Quantum cryptography is used for key generation and distribution, but not for data transmission.
What Is Quantum Cryptography Used for?
Compared to traditional cryptography, quantum cryptography allows for more secure communication. Once keys are exchanged between the parties involved, the risk of a malicious person being able to decrypt the data without the key is very low. If an observation is made during key creation, this has the effect of alerting both the sender and the receiver, and the expected result changes.
What Are the Advantages of Quantum Cryptography?
Some advantages of quantum cryptography are as follows:
- Provides secure communication
- Detects eavesdropping
- Offers multiple methods for security
Provides Secure Communication
Quantum cryptography enables secure communication. Quantum cryptography is a more sophisticated and secure encryption method based on the laws of physics instead of hard-to-crack numbers.
Detects Eavesdropping
Quantum cryptography detects eavesdropping. If a third party tries to read the encoded data, the quantum state changes, and the expected results change for the users. This protects the confidentiality of the communication and makes it possible to detect a potential attacker.
Offers Multiple Methods for Security
Quantum cryptography also offers multiple security methods. There are various quantum encryption protocols available. For instance, some protocols, such as QKD, can be combined with classical encryption methods to increase security.
What Are the Differences Between Traditional Cryptography and Quantum Cryptography?
Traditional cryptography encrypts data using a mathematical scrambling process. In this method, a person with access to the right key can read the data. Traditional cryptography has two different types of key distribution:
- Symmetric key
- Asymmetric key
Symmetric Key
Symmetric key algorithms use the same key to encrypt and decrypt information.
Asymmetric Key
In asymmetric encryption, two keys are used to encrypt and decrypt information. The public key is used to encrypt messages, while the private key is used to decrypt them.
Quantum cryptography is a more sophisticated and secure encryption method. Quantum cryptography is based on the principles of quantum mechanics. By monitoring changes in quantum states, eavesdropping can be detected and users can be warned. Quantum cryptography is preferred when traditional cryptography methods cannot be trusted due to the inability of classical computers to handle large numbers that require time-consuming factorization.
Because of these differences, quantum cryptography has the potential to provide more secure and resilient communication.
