How Quantum Computing Breaks Traditional Encryption

As quantum computing advances from theory to reality, today’s encryption standards—RSA, ECC, and even AES—face existential threats. eMudhra, a global leader in digital trust and PKI solutions, is at the forefront of helping organizations transition from traditional encryption to quantum-resilient frameworks. This pillar article explores how Quantum Computing breaks conventional cryptography, the specific risks to the TLS handshake, and how eMudhra’s products and services ensure a smooth migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

1. The Quantum Threat to Traditional Encryption

Quantum computers exploit superposition and entanglement to process information in ways classical machines cannot. Two landmark quantum algorithms illustrate the danger:

• Shor’s Algorithm
  Enables factoring of large semiprime integers in polynomial time, rendering RSA and ECC key exchanges insecure.

• Grover’s Algorithm
  Provides a quadratic speed-up for brute-force searches, effectively halving the bit strength of symmetric ciphers like AES (e.g., AES-256’s security drops to roughly 128-bit).

When a sufficiently powerful quantum computer runs Shor’s Algorithm on an intercepted TLS handshake, the attacker can retroactively derive the private keys used for encryption, compromising all past and future sessions.

2. The Real Risk: How Quantum Threatens the TLS Handshake

• Initial Handshake Vulnerability
  During the TLS handshake, public-key algorithms agree on a session key. If a quantum adversary captures this handshake, they can later use Shor’s Algorithm to recover the session keys.

• Harvest Now, Decrypt Later
  Sensitive data—medical records, financial transactions, identity documents—may be recorded today and decrypted years later when quantum hardware matures.

3. Tanzania’s Digital Landscape & Quantum Imperative

Tanzania’s rapid digitization spans:

• E-Governance: e-GA platforms handle tax filings, land registry, and national ID issuance.

• Banking & Fintech: M-Pesa, HaloPesa, Tigo Pesa process millions of transactions via TLS.

• Healthcare: Patient records and telemedicine rely on secure channels.

• Cross-Border Trade: EAC and AfCFTA agreements demand robust digital trust for customs and trade documents.

The Personal Data Protection Act (2022) lays a strong privacy foundation but does not yet address quantum threats. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and CERT-TZ must now incorporate quantum-risk requirements—such as mandatory crypto inventories and PQC roadmaps—into their frameworks.

4. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): The Way Forward

Post-Quantum Cryptography refers to algorithms believed to resist both classical and quantum attacks. NIST’s primary selections include:

• CRYSTALS-Kyber for key establishment

• CRYSTALS-Dilithium for digital signatures

eMudhra actively participates in global standards bodies and has integrated these PQC algorithms into its flagship emCA Certificate Authority platform, enabling crypto-agility: the ability to switch seamlessly between classical and quantum-safe schemes.

5. eMudhra’s Quantum-Resilient Digital Trust Ecosystem

5.1 National PKI & TCRA Collaboration

eMudhra designed and deployed Tanzania’s National PKI in partnership with TCRA, issuing TLS certificates that can be upgraded to quantum-safe algorithms without reissuing entire trust chains.

5.2 Crypto-Agile Certificate Authority (emCA)

• Dual-Algorithm Support: emCA issues certificates with both RSA/ECC and PQC algorithms encapsulated.

• HSM Acceleration: Hardware Security Modules accelerate both lattice-based and elliptic-curve operations.

• Key Rollover Automation: Streamlines mass migration of certificates once PQC standards finalize.

5.3 Comprehensive Digital Trust Solutions

• emSigner: Digital signing workflows with support for CRYSTALS-Dilithium signatures, ensuring long-term document authenticity.

• emAS: Multi-factor authentication server that can incorporate quantum-safe challenge–response protocols.

• emRA: Registration Authority for secure identity proofing and certificate issuance, designed for PKI and PQC compatibilities.

6. Roadmap to Post-Quantum Readiness

• Inventory Cryptographic Assets
  Catalog all algorithms—RSA, ECC, TLS 1.2/1.3, AES—and certificate lifecycles.

• Pilot PQC in Low-Risk Environments
  Test CRYSTALS-Kyber key exchanges and Dilithium signatures on dev/test systems.

• Upgrade TLS Handshake
  Gradually deploy quantum-safe cipher suites in parallel with existing stacks.

• Staff Training & Awareness
  Conduct workshops on quantum concepts, Shor’s Algorithm, and Grover’s Algorithm.

• Policy & Compliance Alignment
  Work with TCRA to embed quantum-risk assessments into sectoral regulations.

7. Best Practices for Tanzanian Organizations

• Select Quantum-Ready Vendors: Partner with eMudhra for crypto-agile PKI, HSM-backed PQC, and end-to-end digital trust.

• Adopt a Hybrid Approach: Maintain classical security for immediate needs while phasing in PQC for long-term asset protection.

• Engage in R&D Collaborations: Participate in regional PQC interoperability tests and standards forums.

Conclusion

Quantum Computing will upend traditional encryption—including the critical TLS handshake—by harnessing Shor’s Algorithm and Grover’s Algorithm. The concept of Harvest Now, Decrypt Later transforms passive data capture into a looming threat. Tanzania—and indeed every digital economy—must act decisively to adopt Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

With its proven experience in building the National PKI for TCRA, and cutting-edge platforms like emCA, emSigner, emAS, and emRA, eMudhra is uniquely positioned to guide Tanzanian organizations through a seamless, secure transition to a quantum-resilient future. By starting today—inventorying crypto assets, piloting PQC, and implementing crypto-agile workflows—businesses and government bodies can protect sensitive data for generations to come.