Technical dictionary
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
Classical algorithms designed to resist both classical and quantum attacks—no quantum hardware required to run them.
Definition
Post-quantum cryptography (also called quantum-resistant cryptography) replaces vulnerable public-key schemes (RSA, ECC, finite-field DH) with algorithms believed hard for quantum computers, especially those running Shor’s algorithm.
PQC runs on ordinary CPUs and integrates into protocols like TLS, SSH, and VPN. It is distinct from quantum key distribution (QKD), which uses quantum channels.