When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
Encrypton is what keeps our messages, conversations, and other activities we do on the internet private.
It does so by scrambling the data into an unreadable form to prevent third-party access.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Quantum computing will allow current encryption methods to be broken in minutes, thanks to their expanded computational capabilities.
Yet, more work is needed to make the wider internet infrastructure resilient to future threats.
Working atTutasince its launch in 2014, Hanna has become an expert on topics like cryptography and digital rights.
When do you estimate quantum computing will break into the market?
“Quantum computers will become a reality in about 5 to 15 years.
Each of them wants to be the first one to have a quantum computer.
So, a lot of money goes into making quantum computers a reality.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the big techs makes a breakthrough in less time.
This is why we need to invest in quantum-resistant encryption today.
Because once quantum computers exist, they can break currently used algorithms to encrypt emails or chat messages.
Only post-quantum algorithms can fully protect our data.”
What has Tuta been working on surrounding post-quantum cryptography?
Tuta has been working in this field since 2020, what’s been achieved so far?
“Yes, we started working onPQMail in 2020.
The prototype was able to encrypt and decrypt emails in a hybrid protocol that included quantum-safe algorithms.
This project aims to build post-quantum encrypted file sharing.
So, the final goal will be a Drive feature in addition to Tuta Mail andTuta Calendar.
Last year, we were able torelease TutaCryptinto the mail client.
This is the first quantum-resistant encryption protocol for email.
Today we are proud to announce the launch of the world’s first #postquantum secure email platform!
With TutaCrypt your data is safe against quantum computer attacks at rest & in transit.
It still needs to perform, and especially on mobile devices, this is tough.
You don’t want your mailbox to take minutes to load.
But when you load your encrypted mailbox, this data also needs to be decrypted on your phone.
This requires processing power, which uses time.
So, you better make this process as efficient as possible.
Why is it important encrypted services implement quantum-safe algorithms now?
“As I said, a lot is going on in quantum computing research.
In my opinion, quantum computing will be the next big thing.
We should not underestimate this fact.
And we at Tuta are fully aware of this threat.
As a secure email provider, we need to prepare for the quantum world today, not tomorrow!
And then there’s also the threat of “Harvest now, decrypt later”.
Otherwise you could not consider this data as safely protected.”
Are we at a good point in the transition to a post-quantum world?
Everything relies onencryption online banking, when you connect with your health insurance online, everything is encrypted.
Right now, the encryption they use is traditional encryption.
They will have no protection anymore.
Why do you think post-quantum encryption isnt more widely adopted yet?
“One reason is definitely that the NIST just published thefinal post-quantum algorithmsin August last year.
Security is always a slow road, unfortunately.
Because in a first step, it does not bring any money.
As long as there has not been an attack, the need for security is not really visible.
Why should you invest inDDoS protectionif there’s never been an attack?
But the thinking is wrong: If there is an attack, investing in protection is too late.
you should probably be prepared before an attack can happen!”
Quantum computers could imperil the security of confidential electronic information, such as emails.
It could now take only two years, maybe if you’re really quick, only one year.
But it takes time to transition to quantum-safe encryption.
And in my opinion, this is the absolute minimum.
This is the absolute minimum requirement.”
