Safeguarding multimedia in the quantum age
Swarna Panthi, Bubu Bhuyan · 2024
In an era characterized by an unprecedented reliance on multimedia content, the security of its transmission has become an increasingly critical concern. This chapter explores the imperative of securing multimedia transmissions in the digital age and delves into the pivotal role cryptography plays in achieving this goal. It begins by providing an overview of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography algorithms, elucidating their significance in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of multimedia content during transit. However, with the advent of quantum algorithms, the vulnerability of these present cryptographic schemes comes to the forefront, necessitating a paradigm shift. This chapter navigates through the development of post-quantum cryptography, a new paradigm designed to withstand the cryptographic threats posed by quantum computers. It introduces various families of post-quantum cryptography algorithms, emphasizing their compatibility with both classical and quantum computing environments. A pivotal milestone in this evolution is the standardization process initiated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2016. The criteria and updates of all three rounds of the standardization process are meticulously explored, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. Additionally, the chapter presents a detailed account of the advancements in quantum computers, acknowledging the transformative impact this technology will have on our computational frameworks. The impending shift from classical to quantum computing is acknowledged as a formidable challenge. To prepare for this transition, the chapter identifies potential challenges and outlines prospects, offering a roadmap for researchers in the area of post-quantum cryptography. The multifaceted exploration presented in this chapter contributes to a holistic understanding of the dynamic interplay between multimedia security, cryptography, and the evolving landscape of quantum computing.