#### Session title Post-Quantum Cryptography and Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Future-Proof Security eller Post-Quantum Cryptography and Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Future-Proof Security Systems eller Post-Quantum Cryptography and Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Lasting Security #### Session details As the digital world evolves, so do the threats to data privacy and authentication. With the impending rise of quantum computing, traditional cryptographic methods need to be replaced. This session focuses on the **underlying cryptographic techniques** that can ensure lasting security, even in a future with large-scale quantum computers, with a special focus on **post-quantum cryptography (PQC)** and **Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP)**. The session will explore how **PQC** and **ZKP** complement each other in creating systems that minimize data exposure while maintaining high levels of security. We will cover the **theoretical foundations** of these techniques, along with insights gained from **ongoing research and development**. Key topics will include: - **Post-Quantum Cryptography**: An exploration of the **cryptographic techniques** designed to resist attacks from quantum computers, with a focus on **lattice-based cryptography** and its practical implications for securing authentication systems. - **Zero-Knowledge Proofs**: A detailed look at how ZKP can be used to verify information without exposing the underlying data, including real-world applications in privacy-preserving transactions and secure verification processes. - **AI-Assisted Cryptographic Optimization**: Discussion of how **AI tools** can be used to improve ZKP performance, ensuring minimal data exposure and efficient verification processes, particularly when applied in sensitive environments such as financial services or healthcare. This session, presented by **Christian Warhuus** and **Hans Heum**, will offer insights into the **practical challenges and opportunities** of combining PQC and ZKP. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these cryptographic techniques can be applied in real-world scenarios to build future-proof systems. The presentation will include **lessons learned** from ongoing development efforts, cryptographic implementation challenges, and examples of how these techniques can help organizations protect their data in a post-quantum world. #### Abstract This session explores the cryptographic techniques underlying **post-quantum cryptography (PQC)** and **Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP)**. Led by Christian Warhuus and Hans Heum, the session will introduce and explain these techniques, discuss lessons learned in development, and how these methods can secure authentication and data exchange in a post-quantum era. #### Session format **Co-Speakers**: Christian Warhuus & Hans Heum - **Christian Warhuus** will introduce the broader cryptographic context and focus on the challenges of implementing post-quantum cryptography, and discuss how AI tools can assist in optimizing implementations. - **Hans Waardal Heum** will dive into the technical aspects of Zero-Knowledge Proofs and lattice-based cryptography, with a focus on their practical applications and limitations. #### Presentation Flow and Speaker Roles 1. **Introduction :** 1. **Presented by Christian Warhuus**: 1. Overview of the current cryptographic landscape, including the impact of **quantum computing** on traditional security methods. 2. Introduction to **post-quantum cryptography (PQC)** and **Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP)** as key technologies for future-proof security. 2. **Post-Quantum Cryptography:** 1. **Presented by Christian Warhuus**: 1. Exploration of **post-quantum cryptographic methods**, with a focus on **lattice-based cryptography** and its practical implications. 2. Insights into the challenges of **implementing PQC** in real-world systems and lessons learned from development. 3. Discussion on the role of PQC in securing **authentication** and **key management** processes. 3. **Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Concepts and Applications**: 1. **Presented by Hans Heum**: 1. Explanation of **Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP)** and how they allow for data verification without revealing sensitive information. 2. Real-world applications of ZKP, particularly in **privacy-preserving transactions** and **secure data exchanges**. 3. The cryptographic foundations of ZKP and its importance in reducing data exposure, especially in sensitive sectors like **finance** and **healthcare**. 4. **AI-Assisted Cryptographic Optimization** : 1. **Presented by Christian Warhuus**: 1. Discussion on how **AI-driven tools** can be used to enhance **ZKP performance**, improving both efficiency and security. 2. Examples of how AI helps **optimize data extraction** and ensures that **only essential information** is verified, while maintaining cryptographic security. 5. **Closing & Q&A (5 mins)**: 1. **Presented by both Christian Warhuus & Hans Heum**: 1. Recap of the benefits of **post-quantum cryptography** and **Zero-Knowledge Proofs** in creating future-proof systems. 2. Open the floor for audience questions and further discussion on cryptographic applications. #### Speaker Biographies **Christian Warhuus** is CTO of Vaivoo, where they focus on developing advanced cryptographic systems for post-quantum security. With over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, Christian is a leader of a team in designing future-proof authentication and key management systems that address emerging quantum threats. **Hans Heum** is a researcher in Cryptology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and an expert in **post-quantum cryptography** and **Zero-Knowledge Proofs**. His research focuses on post-quantum cryptographic methods, including ZKP, and with a specific interest in provably quantum-safe methods for encryption and authentication.