Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Educational Explainer

An educational overview of NIST's standardised quantum-resistant algorithms and the migration questions facing EU government and critical infrastructure systems. This explains the field of ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. PHANTAQSM does not ship post-quantum cryptography today; crypto-agility is a forward-looking roadmap interest.

Explainer Series
Educational, no credential
Reading time:40 hours
Modules:8 modules
Level:Foundation to Advanced

Training Path Overview

Foundation Level

Quantum computing principles, cryptographic vulnerabilities, and NIST standards overview

Practitioner Level

Algorithm implementation, key management, and system integration techniques

Expert Level

Migration planning, hybrid deployments, and enterprise-scale implementations

Training Modules

1

Quantum Computing & Cryptographic Threats

Foundation

Understanding quantum computing principles and their impact on current cryptographic systems.

Learning Topics:

Quantum Mechanics Basics
Shor's Algorithm
Grover's Algorithm
Cryptographic Vulnerabilities

Resources:

NIST SP 800-208
Quantum Threat Timeline
EU Quantum Strategy
5 hours
Assessment
2

NIST Post-Quantum Standards Overview

Foundation

Comprehensive overview of NIST FIPS 203, 204, and 205 standards and selection criteria.

Learning Topics:

FIPS 203 (ML-KEM)
FIPS 204 (ML-DSA)
FIPS 205 (SLH-DSA)
Selection Process

Resources:

NIST FIPS Documents
Algorithm Comparison
Security Parameters
4 hours
Assessment
3

ML-KEM Implementation & Key Management

Practitioner

Deep dive into Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism implementation.

Learning Topics:

ML-KEM-512/768/1024
Key Generation
Encapsulation
Decapsulation
Performance Optimization

Resources:

Reference Implementation
Security Analysis
Performance Benchmarks
6 hours
Hands-on Lab
Assessment
4

ML-DSA Digital Signatures

Practitioner

Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm implementation and integration.

Learning Topics:

ML-DSA-44/65/87
Key Pair Generation
Signature Creation
Verification
Certificate Integration

Resources:

Implementation Guide
PKI Integration
EU eIDAS Compliance
6 hours
Hands-on Lab
Assessment
5

SLH-DSA Stateless Hash Signatures

Practitioner

Sphincs+ based stateless hash signatures for long-term security guarantees.

Learning Topics:

SLH-DSA-128/192/256
Hash-based Signatures
XMSS Integration
Long-term Security

Resources:

Algorithm Specification
Security Proofs
Implementation Guidance
5 hours
Hands-on Lab
Assessment
6

Hybrid Cryptographic Systems

Advanced

Combining classical and post-quantum algorithms for transitional security.

Learning Topics:

Hybrid TLS
Dual Signatures
Migration Strategies
Interoperability

Resources:

IETF Drafts
Hybrid Standards
Compatibility Testing
5 hours
Hands-on Lab
Assessment
7

Enterprise Migration Planning

Expert

Strategic planning for large-scale post-quantum cryptography migration.

Learning Topics:

Risk Assessment
Timeline Planning
Stakeholder Management
Budget Planning

Resources:

Migration Playbook
Case Studies
Cost Analysis Tools
6 hours
Assessment
8

EU Regulatory Compliance & Implementation

Expert

Ensuring post-quantum implementations meet EU regulatory requirements.

Learning Topics:

GDPR Implications
NIS2 Requirements
eIDAS Regulation
Certification Schemes

Resources:

EU Guidance Documents
Compliance Checklists
Audit Frameworks
3 hours
Assessment

About This Explainer Series

This is educational material about the post-quantum cryptography field. It does not lead to a credential, and it is not validated or recognised by any external body. PHANTAQSM does not currently provide post-quantum protection.

What you will learn:

  • How NIST FIPS 203/204/205 algorithms work
  • EU regulatory considerations for the transition
  • How tamper-evident (SHA-256/keccak256) records are formed
  • Where crypto-agility fits on a security roadmap
  • Roughly 40 hours of reading material

How to use it:

  • Read through all 8 explainer modules
  • Try the optional self-check questions
  • Work through the optional hands-on examples
  • Review the summary at the end
  • Apply the concepts to your own context