School Overview

The development of quantum computers has accelerated rapidly in the last few years, with huge investments from governments and corporations. These developments are already changing the face of cryptography, a trend that is only expected to increase.

On one hand, the security threats posed by quantum adversaries are not only greater but are also qualitatively different from those posed by classical ones. This is due to quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. This requires rethinking our security models toward a post-quantum world where quantum adversaries are to be considered. On the other hand, quantum phenomena such as unclonability open the door for new quantum-cryptographic applications, some of which (such as quantum key-distribution) are already possible with the current level of technology.

The 11th BIU winter school on cryptography aims to provide an introduction to quantum cryptography. The program will include topics such as the definition and use of basic cryptographic tools in a quantum world, quantum key distribution, the quantum random oracle model, delegation of quantum computation, and classical and quantum protocols with post-quantum security. A “crash-course” on quantum computing will also be included. The school will not cover the topic of post-quantum assumptions, i.e. the hardness of specific cryptographic assumptions (e.g. factoring, LWE) against quantum computers will not be discussed.

The program aims to give a taste of key topics in the area, focusing on the basics, rather than the state of the art. We expect the audience to already have knowledge on foundations of cryptography (one-way functions, pseudorandomness, public-key encryption, zero-knowledge, security reductions), as well as linear algebra. While we will include a crash-course on quantum computing, prior knowledge on the matter will also be helpful (although not necessary). We aim the school mostly at cryptographers, first and foremost students and postdocs, but also faculty.