Isogeny-Based Cryptography

Definition ∞ Isogeny-based cryptography uses mathematical structures related to elliptic curves to construct cryptographic systems. This area of post-quantum cryptography leverages the computational difficulty of finding isogenies between elliptic curves, offering a potential defense against attacks from future quantum computers. It provides an alternative to traditional public-key cryptography methods that rely on problems like integer factorization or discrete logarithms, which are vulnerable to quantum algorithms. Researchers are actively developing and evaluating these schemes for their security, efficiency, and suitability for various cryptographic applications.
Context ∞ Isogeny-based cryptography is a critical research frontier in the quest for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions, particularly relevant for securing long-term data and communications against emerging quantum threats. A key discussion centers on the trade-offs between the security assurances, computational costs, and implementation complexities of different isogeny-based schemes. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is evaluating several such candidates for standardization, highlighting their potential importance for future digital security.