Resource Guide for Teaching Post-Quantum Cryptography

Abstract

Public-key cryptography has become a popular way to motivate the teaching of concepts in elementary number theory, abstract algebra, and introduction to proof courses, as well as in cryptography courses. Unfortunately, many experts expect quantum computers to make common forms of public-key cryptography obsolete in the near future. Fortunately, there are several systems being evaluated to replace RSA and the other systems we currently use. While some of the systems are too complicated to be good examples in introductory courses, others are either quite manageable or have simplified versions which are manageable. This article gives a tour of the main types of systems under consideration and the teaching resources available for instructors who want to teach them.