Security in a post-quantum world
Cryptographic schemes are more secure as the hardness of the problem to be solved increases. In a post-quantum world, the ECC method becomes easily solvable for reasons we saw earlier. One of the alternatives that can be used to make encryption quantum-proof is using hash-based signature schemes. Let's look at XMSS, which uses hash functions.
eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme (XMSS)
XMSS is one of the hash-based signature schemes that is being explored by QRL. There are two key aspects of XMSS that makes it a good candidate for post-quantum encryption. It uses a hash function, and it follows a One-Time Signature (OTS) system. It is also based on the Merkle signature scheme. The Merkle signature scheme was developed by Relph Merkle in 1970s and is quantum-resistant. As the Merkle signature scheme relies on secure hash functions, they can be categorized as PQC.
The public key in the Merkle signature scheme can only be used to sign a...
