Difference between revisions of "PQ3"

Revision as of 22:24, 22 March 2024

Full Title

• • PQ3** is a groundbreaking cryptographic protocol introduced by **Apple** for its **iMessage** platform. Let's dive into the details:

1. **Background**:

  - When **iMessage** launched in 2011, it became the first widely available messaging app to provide **end-to-end encryption** by default.
  - Over the years, Apple has significantly upgraded its cryptography to enhance security.
  - In 2019, they switched from **RSA** to **Elliptic Curve cryptography (ECC)** and protected encryption keys on devices using the **Secure Enclave**.
  - An additional layer of defense was added: a **periodic rekey mechanism** for cryptographic self-healing even if a key were compromised.

2. **Quantum Threat**:

  - Traditional cryptographic algorithms (such as RSA, Elliptic Curve signatures, and Diffie-Hellman key exchange) rely on hard mathematical problems.
  - Quantum computers threaten to change the equation by solving these problems in fundamentally different ways.
  - Although powerful quantum computers don't exist yet, attackers can collect encrypted data today and decrypt it in the future using quantum computers (known as **Harvest Now, Decrypt Later**).

3. **Enter PQ3**:

  - **PQ3** is a **post-quantum cryptographic protocol** designed to withstand quantum attacks.
  - It provides **extensive defenses** against even highly sophisticated quantum threats.
  - PQ3 is the **first messaging protocol** to achieve what Apple calls **"Level 3 security"**.
  - It surpasses the security protections of all other widely deployed messaging apps.
  - To our knowledge, **PQ3** has the **strongest security properties** of any at-scale messaging protocol in the world¹²³.

In summary, **PQ3** ensures that iMessage remains secure even in the face of potential quantum advancements. It's a significant step forward in protecting our digital communications 🛡️🔐.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2024 (1) Blog - iMessage with PQ3: The new state of the art in quantum-secure .... https://security.apple.com/blog/imessage-pq3/. (2) What is PQ3, Apple’s New iMessage Security Protocol?. https://beebom.com/pq3-imessages-security-protocol-explained/. (3) Apple Debuts Post-Quantum Cryptography Cipher PQ3 for iMessage ... - InfoQ. https://www.infoq.com/news/2024/02/apple-post-quantum-pq3/. (4) Apple is future-proofing iMessage with post-quantum cryptography. https://cointelegraph.com/news/apple-quantum-computing-future-proofing-i-message-post-quantum-cryptography. (5) Data Security Standards: How Apple’s PQ3 Protocol Elevates Data .... https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/what-apples-pq3-protocol-mean-for-data-security-explained/article67903611.ece. (6) iOS 17.4 iMessage PQ3 quantum security update explained - PC Guide. https://www.pcguide.com/ios/ios-17-4-imessage-pq3-quantum-security-update/.

References