CC* Integration-Small: Quantum-Resistant Cryptography in Supercomputing Scientific Applications

This project plans to enable a network instrument to measure the adoption rate of quantum-resistant encryption methods, also known as post-quantum cryptography (PQC). This instrument will allow universities and research centers to switch to PQC in order to safeguard sensitive data and scientific research. The problem is critical because of the rise of quantum computers that could crack current encryption. The developed network instrument plans to: 1) track how quickly new encryption is being adopted, 2) measure any performance slowdowns caused by the new system, 3) identify potential roadblocks of applications when migrating to the new encryption. The intellectual merits include novel network architecture to measure the adoption rate, periodic reports to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and lessons learned to help applications ready for the new cryptography. The aim of this project for the nation’s cyberinfrastructure is to: 1) set a national example of migrating cyberinfrastructure to be quantum resistant, 2) build public trust in the security of scientific computing by demonstrating the increased adoption rate over time. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.