Context:
Recently, Apple launched the PQ3 encryption protocol for its messaging app.
PQ3 Encryption Protocol:
- A post-quantum cryptographic model to encrypt the messages
- Designed to protect classical operating systems against quantum enabled cyber-attacks
- Uses a hybrid design combining the traditional encryption methods with post-quantum encryption
- Advantages –
- Protocol protects communications on iMessage against current and future decryptions
- Also limits how many past and future messages can be decrypted with a single compromised key, reducing the impact of key compromises
- Limitation – Messages stored in iCloud may not be protected by this protocol
Levels of security:
- Level 0 – No end-to-end encryption by default and no quantum security
- Level 1 – End-to-end encryption by default, but with no quantum security
- Level 2 – Application of post-quantum cryptography is limited to the initial key establishment
- Level 3 – Post-quantum cryptography is used to secure both the initial key establishment and the ongoing message exchange
However, this is not the 1st time a tech company has announced post-quantum encryption protocols. Earlier in September 2023, Signal announced advancements in quantum resistance for the Signal Protocol.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Exoplanets
(b) Cryptocurrency
(c) Cyber attacks
(d) Mini satellites
Answer: (c)
