PQC

Technical Explanation

With the impending arrival of cryptanalytically relevant quantum computers capable of breaking RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) via Shor's algorithm, 6G natively integrates NIST-standardized Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). 6G incorporates lattice-based cryptography (ML-KEM for key encapsulation and ML-DSA for digital signatures) across the 6G-Uu air interface, subscriber identity management (SUCI), control plane signaling (SBA+ mTLS), and inter-carrier roaming links, ensuring long-term confidentiality against 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks.

Key Functions

• Protecting mobile network encryption against quantum computer Shor's algorithm attacks
• NIST FIPS 203 (ML-KEM / CRYSTALS-Kyber) lattice-based key encapsulation integration
• NIST FIPS 204 (ML-DSA / CRYSTALS-Dilithium) post-quantum digital signatures for authentication
• Hybrid classical-quantum transition modes ensuring backwards compatibility with 5G systems
• Hardware-accelerated PQC instruction sets embedded in baseband DSPs and SIM eUICCs