Explaining Post-Quantum Cryptography to Middle School Students - Klaus Schmeh at 44CON 2018

One of the hottest topics in current crypto research is Post-Quantum Cryptography. This branch of cryptography addresses asymmetric crypto systems that are not prone to quantum computers. Virtually all asymmetric crypto systems currently in use (Diffie-Hellman, RSA, DSA, and Elliptic Curve Crypto Systems) are not Post-Quantum. They will be useless, once advanced quantum computers will be available. Quantum computer technology has made considerable progress in recent years, with major organisations, like Google, NSA, and NASA, investing in it. Post-Quantum Cryptography uses advanced mathematical concepts. Even if one knows the basics of current asymmetric cryptography (integer factorisation, discrete logarithms, …), Post-Quantum algorithms are hard to understand. The goal of this presentation is to explain Post-Quantum Cryptography in a way that is comprehensible for non-mathematicians. Five families of crypto systems (as good as all known Post-Quantum algorithms belong to these) will be introduced: Lattice-based systems: The concept of lattice-based asymmetric encryption will be explained with a two-dimensional grid (real-world implementations use 250 dimensions and more). Some lattice-based ciphers (e.g., New Hope) make use of the Learning with Error (LWE) concept. I will demonstrate LWE encryption in a way that is understandable to somebody who knows Gaussian elimination (this is taught at middle school). Other lattice-based systems (especially NTRU) use truncated polynomials, which I will also explain in a simple way. Code-based systems: McEliece and a few other asymmetric ciphers are based on error correction codes. While teaching the whole McEliece algorithm might be too complex for a 44CON presentation, it is certainly possible to explain error correction codes and the main McEliece fundamentals. Non-commutative systems: There are nice ways to explain non-commutative groups and the crypto systems based on these, using everyday-life examples. Especially, twisting a Rubik’s Cube and plaiting a braid are easy-to-understand group operations a crypto system can be built on. Multivariate systems: Multivariate crypto can be explained to somebody who knows Gaussian elimination. Hash-based signatures: If properly explained, Hash-based signatures are easier to understand than any other asymmetric crypto scheme. I will explain these systems with cartoons, drawings, photographs, a Rubik’s Cube and other items. In addition, I will give a short introduction to quantum computers and the current Post-Quantum Crypto Competition (organised by US authority NIST). For more from 44CON and tickets visit 44CON Website: https://44con.com ---=== Contact ===--- YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/44contv Website: https://44con.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/44con LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/44Con-3886577 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/44CON ---=== Music Credits ===--- Island - by MBB: https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial (https://twitter.com/mbbmusic) Grind - by Andrew Huang - YouTube Music Library