Windows 11’s most important new feature is post-quantum cryptography. Here’s why.
1 min read
Summary
Microsoft has given its core cryptographic code library, SymCrypt, a make-over, adding post-quantum algorithms designed to withstand future attacks from quantum computers.
While quantum computers are still in the development stage, when they are up and running they will be able to break current forms of encryption such as RSA and elliptic curves, which are used to keep sensitive data secure.
Microsoft has also updated its open-source SymCrypt-OpenSSL project, which enables the widely used OpenSSL library to use SymCrypt for cryptography.
Windows 11 users can access the updated library in Build 27852 and higher versions, and can expect to see more quantum-resistant encryption tools rolled out in future.
