Dr. Marko Horvat

Quantum cryptography utilizes the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics to establish secure communication channels between different entities. One such use is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which facilitates the creation of a confidential shared key for the purpose of encrypting and decrypting messages. The presence of quantum features such as superposition and entanglement makes eavesdropping detectable and prohibits replication of quantum states. In theory, if the physical execution is excellent, this technology offers security that cannot be compromised. Nevertheless, the widespread use of quantum technologies is currently hampered by practical obstacles, including the attenuation of signals in optical fibers and the preservation of quantum states across extended distances.

Numerous cryptographic techniques in contemporary times rely on the challenge of factoring large numbers and calculating discrete logarithms. However, Shor's algorithm can swiftly factor numbers on a quantum computer, undermining conventional encryption methods like RSA and ECC. The QKD technique has been proposed as a solution to this issue. The first such protocol, known as BB84, was introduced in 1984 by Charles H. Bennett and Gilles Brassard. The BB84 protocol utilizes two distinct communication channels: a public channel and a quantum one, specifically an optical cable. It also employs various photon polarizations to facilitate the transmission of information. These initial solutions have been improved over time with BB91 protocol and other approaches.

More recently, another promising approach has been proposed, post-quantum cryptography which to cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against the potential capabilities of quantum computers. The goal of post-quantum cryptography is to develop new methods of encryption and key exchange that would remain secure even in the age of quantum computing.

In the field of post-quantum cryptography, numerous potential algorithms have emerged as candidates that have the ability to withstand attacks from quantum computers. Several algorithms, such as BIG QUAKE, BIKE, Ding Key Exchange, GeMSS, HQC, LIMA, NewHope, NTRUEncrypt, Picnic, RSA-Encryption, and SPHINCS+, among others, already exist or are under development.

The emergence of quantum computing poses a significant challenge to existing encryption techniques, necessitating the adoption of post-quantum cryptography across multiple industries. In the context of secure communications and financial transactions, it functions as a protective measure against potential quantum-based security risks in the future. Cloud storage and Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide an increasingly robust security framework to mitigate the risks of unwanted access and cyberattacks. The utilization of this technology enhances the process of verifying digital identities, reinforces the tracking of supply chains, and guarantees the preservation of patient confidentiality within the healthcare sector. Furthermore, it serves to safeguard the integrity of electronic voting systems and decentralized networks such as blockchain. Post-quantum cryptography plays a crucial role in upholding digital security in a future characterized by the widespread adoption of quantum computers.

The talk will focus on the difficulties and solutions that quantum computing brings to the world of cryptography.

Dr. Marko Horvat is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Computing at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER). He graduated in 1999, with a MSc degree in 2007 and a PhD in 2013 from FER, specializing in artificial intelligence and mobile computing. After graduation, he gained 10-year professional experience in the ICT sector, as a software development engineer, software architect, project manager and IT department manager. He serves as a project manager, researcher and expert in a number of national and EU scientific projects. Previously, he worked as a lecturer, senior lecturer, study program supervisor, and vice-dean for science, international cooperation, and new study programs at the Technical University of Zagreb (TVZ), where he also founded the AI Lab.

Dr. Horvat has authored or co-authored more than 90 scientific papers during his academic career and has developed a number of university and professional instructional manuals and educational materials. In addition, he supervised over 80 BSc and MSc dissertations in informatics and computer science. He is engaged in editorial and review activities, serving on many editorial boards of international journals and conference program committees. His primary research interests are in artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly in the areas of automated reasoning, knowledge representation, information retrieval, affective computing, and semantic web.

Marko Horvat is an active promoter of science and STEM education, regularly participating in educational activities and making media appearances speaking about a wide range of topics covering computer science, artificial intelligence, and the impact of disruptive technologies.

He is a Senior Member of the IEEE professional association and vice-chairman of the Croatian section of the IEEE Department of Management in Technology and Engineering. He is currently the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Croatian Mine Action Center - Center for Testing, Development, and Training (HCR-CTRO) LLC.

Categorised in: 2023

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