Project 17: Post-Quantum Cryptography Lab
Understand the impact of quantum computing on encryption and explore hands-on implementation of post-quantum cryptography using Python and open-source tools.
Project 17: Post-Quantum Cryptography Lab
Understand the impact of quantum computing on encryption and explore hands-on implementation of post-quantum cryptography using Python and open-source tools.
Post-Quantum Cryptography Lab
Overview
Quantum computing is set to transform the cybersecurity landscape by rendering many current encryption methods obsolete. This project introduces students to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), including hands-on labs exploring key exchange mechanisms, digital signatures, and practical implementation challenges using leading PQC algorithms.
What You Will Learn
- How quantum computers threaten RSA, ECC, and other classical encryption methods
- Key concepts in post-quantum cryptography, including lattice-based and hash-based algorithms
- Hands-on experience with NIST PQC candidates such as Kyber and Dilithium
- Implementation of secure key exchange and digital signatures
- Benchmarking and comparing PQC algorithms
- Preparing for a quantum-resistant future in cybersecurity
Hands-On Learning
Students will gain experience using:
- Python and the
pqcryptolibrary - Open Quantum Safe (liboqs) and container-based testing environments
- Tools for encryption, signing, and verification
- Practical benchmarks and crypto analysis
🔗 Continue to the hands-on lab for full instructions!
Post-Quantum Cryptography Lab Instructions
Post-Quantum Cryptography Lab Instructions Overview In this lab, you’ll implement and analyze post-quantum encryption techniques using Kyber and Dilithium, two NIST-recommended algorithms for quantum-resistant security. The lab includes working with key exchange, digital signatures, and comparing algorithm performance. Lab Instructions 1. Setting Up Your Environment You will need: Python 3 installed Code editor (e.g., VS Code) Terminal access Docker (for advanced testing with liboqs) Install the pqcrypto library: pip install pqcrypto (Optional) Build liboqs locally for advanced algorithm support: git clone --recursive https://github.com/open-quantum-safe/liboqs cd liboqs && mkdir build && cd build cmake .. && make 2. Classical RSA Key Exchange (Baseline) openssl genrsa -out private.pem 2048 openssl rsa -in private.pem -pubout -out public.pem Encrypt/decrypt a message using Python or OpenSSL to compare with post-quantum algorithms. ...