Home // International Journal On Advances in Security, volume 18, numbers 1 and 2, 2025 // View article

Post-Quantum Cryptography - An Overview of Standards, Protocols, and Practical Applications

Authors:
Jörn-Marc Schmidt
Alexander Lawall

Keywords: Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC); PQC Standards; PQC Implementations; PQC Libraries; Technology Roadmaps

Abstract:
In cryptographic security, quantum computing poses a significant challenge to traditional cryptographic protocols. This study investigates the landscape of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), focusing on the transition from theoretical underpinnings, over standardization efforts to practical implementations. The primary research question that guides this contribution is: What mechanisms can be implemented to safeguard applications and what efforts are under way by application providers and technology platforms? This question is answered by the current state of standards supporting PQC and the ongoing preparation efforts. Thereby, not only the standards for cryptographic algorithms, but also the protocols relying on them are considered. Furthermore, the status of (open-source) implementations is reviewed and roadmaps from companies / technology providers are discussed. Hence, this paper does not only discuss what a company can do to protect their applications but also takes the viewpoint of an end-user regarding the support of applications.

Pages: 25 to 35

Copyright: Copyright (c) to authors, 2025. Used with permission.

Publication date: June 30, 2025

Published in: journal

ISSN: 1942-2636