Post-quantum Cryptography at Google

Jun 13, 2023·
Stefan Kölbl
Stefan Kölbl
· 0 min read
Abstract
Google is actively involved in the development and deployment of post-quantum cryptography (PQC). In this talk, we will share our perspective on the migration to PQC, including our priorities, our challenges, and our progress. As an example we will show how we transitioned Google’s internal protocol for transport layer security (ALTS) to use post-quantum cryptography. We will also discuss how carefully designed cryptographic libraries can enable cryptographic agility and ease the migration to PQC. By sharing our perspective on the migration, we hope to help others to prepare for this important transition.
Date
Jun 13, 2023
Location

Amsterdam

events
Post-Quantum PQC Google ALTS Cryptographic Agility
Stefan Kölbl
Authors
Stefan Kölbl
Staff Engineer, Tech Lead Manager

I am a Staff Engineer and Tech Lead Manager at Google, where I work in the Security Engineering team. My focus is on post-quantum cryptography and enabling developers at Google and across the internet to use cryptography safely and correctly.

I have a PhD in cryptography and an extensive background in the design and analysis of symmetric-key algorithms, post-quantum cryptography, and lightweight cryptography. I have contributed to several cryptographic standardization efforts, including the SKINNY cipher, which is part of the ISO/IEC 29192-2 standard. I also contributed to the SPHINCS+ signature scheme, which was standardized by NIST as FIPS 205. I currently represent Switzerland in the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27/WG 2 committee for cryptography and security mechanisms.

Before joining Google, I was a Senior Technology Manager at Cybercrypt and a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Denmark, working on the H2020 PQCRYPTO project.

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