Mohamed Hamdi
Sup'Com, Elgazala Technopark, Tunisia
Title: Atomic power and cryptography: opportunities, challenges and achievements
Biography
Biography: Mohamed Hamdi
Abstract
During the last couple of decades, quantum computing and information processing has been investigated as an alternative to quench the thirst for speed and computing capacity. Even though the quantum computers built so far are able to perform basic calculations (compared to the huge theoretical potential), this field is perceived by the research community as strongly promising to solve crucial issues in the disciplines of computing, cryptography, information theory, mathematics and physics. For example, in the area of cryptography, the substantial potential brought by quantum computing is corroborated by the roadmap established NIST regarding the future development of the underlying technologies.
This talk addresses the opportunities, challenges, and obstacles related to the development of quantum cryptography in the near future. The most important aspects that will be covered include: Quantum cryptography fundamentals: This section will illustrate how harnessing the power of atoms and molecules allow performing memory and processing tasks that are relevant to cryptography; Technological feasibility: Beyond the theoretical understanding of quantum cryptography, the experimental platforms that corroborate the feasibility of quantum-based solutions for cryptographic problems will be covered in this section. For instance, private communication of quantum channels, repeaterless quantum communications, and photonic integrated circuits for quantum communications will be discussed. Moreover, an overview on PQCrypto 2014 will imbue more details to the attendees about the concrete aspects of quantum cryptography.
Quantum-based cryptanalysis: Besides the opportunities behind the use of quantum computing to improve the robustness of cryptographic solutions, the power of atoms presents an important tool that can be used in cryptanalysis. Several attempts did show that currently-used cryptographic algorithms can be broken using quantum computers. Despite the disadvantages of the current solutions in terms of cost-effectiveness, such solutions are expected to proliferate in the near future. Hence, the strategies used to implement quantum-based cryptanalysis will be addressed at this level.