Quantum Cryptography

Code: TBD · Credits: 4 · Hours: 60 · Type: ELECTIVE

Quantum computing breaks the asymmetric primitives — RSA, ECC, classical Diffie-Hellman — that underpin most of today's authenticated key exchange. This elective covers both halves of the response: quantum key distribution (using quantum mechanics for unconditional secrecy on the wire) and post-quantum cryptography (classical algorithms believed hard against quantum attackers).

Key topics

Quantum mechanics primer: superposition, entanglement, the no-cloning theorem.
Quantum key distribution: BB84, E91, B92, decoy-state protocols.
QKD network architectures: trusted-node networks, satellite QKD.
Post-quantum cryptography families: lattice-based (Kyber, Dilithium), code-based (Classic McEliece), hash-based (SPHINCS+, XMSS), multivariate, isogeny.
NIST PQC standardisation outcomes (FIPS 203/204/205, 2024).
Hybrid TLS, crypto-agility, and migration planning.
Quantum-safe deadlines for NRB / IRD / banking sector in Nepal.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this subject, a student should be able to:

Explain the BB84 protocol and the security argument behind unconditional secrecy.
Compare the main PQC families on performance, key size, and maturity.
Plan a phased migration for a real PKI to hybrid + then PQC-only.
Identify which standards organisations and regulators have already mandated PQC timelines.

Key topics​

Learning outcomes​

Further reading​

Key topics

Learning outcomes

Further reading