Cryptography, Quantum Computing, and the Future of Security with Dr. Bill Anderson

Without the ability to keep secrets, our internet would fail. Without effective cryptography the internet would never have graduated from the hobbyist interest. And we have great examples of networks without effective encryption like the worldwide HAM radio operators. I’ve been utilizing cryptography in the development of web applications since my first professional web application development work. Although I’ve rarely understood the underlying technology and mathematics of cryptography. In this episode of SecureTalk, our guest is Dr. Bill Anderson, an expert in cryptography. Bill shares his journey into the field, starting as a student in electrical and computer engineering. He inadvertently ventured into cryptography during his postgraduate studies. He discusses the evolution of cryptography, its historical context, and the impact of quantum computing on current cryptographic methods. We explore various topics, including public key cryptography, digital signatures, and the ongoing need for crypto agility. Bill also provides insights into his current role as Principal Product Lead at Mattermost, a secure collaboration platform focused on data sovereignty and security. This episode offers a comprehensive look at modern cryptographic techniques and the challenges posed by future advancements in computing, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in cybersecurity and cryptography. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to SecureTalk and the Importance of Security 01:56 Dr. Bill Anderson's Background and Expertise 04:06 The Journey into Cryptography 10:11 Understanding Business Dynamics in Security 14:34 Overview of Mattermost and Its Unique Value Proposition 21:09 Security as a Differentiator in Business 23:18 The Evolution of Cryptography in Computing 25:43 Understanding Public Key Cryptography 28:11 The Role of Authentication in Cryptography 31:02 The Impact of Open Research on Cryptography 33:01 Quantum Computing and Its Threat to Cryptography 39:08 Analyzing Recent Quantum Computing Research 42:10 NIST's Efforts in Quantum-Safe Cryptography 49:09 The Future of Cryptography: Defense in Depth