A Survey of Post Quantum Key Encapsulation Mechanism
Manjiri Harmalkar, Kurunandan Jain, Prabhakar Krishnan
Abstract
Classical public-key cryptographic algorithms like the RSA algorithm and Diffie-Hellman are used to secure internet communications. However, the emergence of quantum computers poses a significant threat to these established algorithms, potentially leading to security breaches and malicious attacks. If quantum computers can break these algorithms, the entire security infrastructure of the internet could be compromised. Post- quantum cryptography (PQC) is a cryptographic area dedicated to developing new encryption and key exchange mechanisms that can resist quantum attacks. Its goal is to create quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, with NIST playing a central role in standardization and collaboration to ensure information security in the era of quantum computing. This study conducts a survey of Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM) algorithms within the field of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), along with their alternative counterparts. It provides a comprehensive analysis of performance metrics, including key sizes, execution times, and runtime performance, specifically focusing on Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM) algorithms.