According to analysts, humanity is about to enter the age of quantum computation. However, e-mail remains a vulnerable area and, even in current realities, is often hacked. European researchers are developing encryption technology that will not only be impossible to crack, but also impossible to decipher with the quantum computers of the future.
The Pqmail project, developed by the authors of the Tutanota web mail with the support of the Research Institute at the University of Hanover. Leibniz, funded by the European Union, aims to create secure e-mail. Of particular concern is the impending commercialization of quantum technologies, where one computer will be able to penetrate any current encryption system. The researchers stress that the new security will secure the exchange of information, making it completely inaccessible to third parties, even using quantum computers.
So far, very few applications use quantum secure encryption for email. As e-mails are particularly important for professional confidential communication, it is imperative that we find a secure solution as soon as possible. More and more business letters use end-to-end encryption. However, this confidential method of communication must remain such in the future», – the team of researchers tells.
An evaluation of existing post-quantum algorithms is under way, on the basis of which a hybrid communication protocol will be created. It must support Perfect Forward Secrecy and will be integrated into Tutanota security. After that, the standard will pass a series of tests, receiving quantum-resistant encryption. It is reported that anyone who wishes to use the protocol will be able to use it absolutely free of charge to protect personal e-mail.
