Design and Comparative Analysis of Quantum Hashing Algorithms using Qiskit
Prodipto Das · 2023
This research explores the quantum implementation of three crucial hashing algorithms, namely Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1), Message Digest 5 (MD5), and Secure Hash Algorithm 256 (SHA-256), within the context of network security for future networks.Quantum Cryptography, an emerging field, combines Cryptology and Cryptanalysis, presenting exciting prospects for secure communication.Our study focuses on the design and implementation of SHA-1, MD5, and SHA-256 algorithms specifically tailored for Quantum Computers.The primary objective is to investigate the time required to construct a hash and the bit rate at which a hash value can be transmitted.A comprehensive analysis of these three quantum algorithms is performed, with a particular emphasis on their performance in comparison to their classical counterparts.Experimental comparisons reveal that the execution time for qSHA-1, qMD5 and qSHA-256 significantly exceeds that of classical parts.Notably, our findings indicate a dependency of the implemented algorithms' execution time on the processor's speed.This research sheds light on the potential capabilities of quantum algorithms in the realm of network security and contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discussions surrounding quantum cryptography.An intriguing discovery arising from this study is the observation that quantum MD5 exhibits quicker execution times than quantum SHA-1 and quantum SHA-256.However, contrasting the classical scenario, where cSHA-1 demonstrates quicker execution than cMD5 and cSHA-256, it becomes evident that classical and quantum performance across these algorithms diverges markedly.This highlights a notable contrast in the behavior of these algorithms, thereby underscoring the potential dissimilarity rather than similarity between classical and quantum performances.The results underscore the need for further exploration to optimize the performance of quantum hashing algorithms, ensuring their viability in practical applications for future networks.