Quantum computing has demonstrated capabilities surpassing traditional supercomputers in fields such as drug development, materials science, and energy. However, it also poses potential threats to existing encryption algorithms. It is anticipated that within the next 10 to 20 years, quantum computers may be able to break mainstream asymmetric encryption algorithms, leading to security risks such as data breaches. To address this challenge, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), a new cryptographic technology capable of withstanding quantum computing attacks, is receiving attention from industry and standardization organizations. Post-quantum cryptography reconstructs cryptographic algorithm structures based on mathematical problems not yet effectively solved by quantum computing, such as lattice theory, multivariate equations, and coding theory, ensuring reliable security in a quantum computing environment. Its research directions include lattice-based cryptography, multivariate cryptography, hash-based cryptography, etc. Currently, the global technological pathways for post-quantum cryptography are gradually converging. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States has released the first batch of standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, accelerating the global process of technological standardization. China is also collecting quantum-resistant algorithms globally through the Commercial Cryptography Standards Institute, promoting the revision of the 'Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Cryptography,' explicitly requiring operators of critical information infrastructures to gradually conduct pilot migrations to post-quantum cryptography, adopting a 'dual-track parallel' strategy to ensure supply chain security and leaving room for international mutual recognition. At the application level, post-quantum cryptographic technology has begun to be applied in key areas such as finance, communications, and e-government. For example, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has piloted quantum-encrypted cross-border transmission in cross-border transactions, reducing the risk of data breaches to 1/50th of that with traditional technology. With the rapid development of emerging fields such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and blockchain, post-quantum cryptographic technology will open up new growth opportunities, with the market size expected to maintain an average annual growth rate of over 30% in the future.
