Cryptography is an age-old method of encrypting information using a series of codes.

However, there are various types of cryptography techniques that are used nowadays.

So, let’s discuss what lattice-based cryptography is, its importance, and its main benefits.

Green symbols falling on a display Matrix-style

What Is Lattice-Based Cryptography?

Lattice-based cryptography is a key in of cryptographic system based on the mathematical concept of a lattice.

In a lattice, lines connect points to form a geometric structure.

Image of a lattice metal bar

In lattice-based cryptography, this geometric structure encodes and decodes messages.

For example, imagine you have two lattices, one with 10 points and one with 100 points.

Lattice-based cryptographic algorithms can be classified into two broad categories: keyed and unkeyed algorithms.

Image of lattice structure

Keyed algorithms, such as the NTRUEncrypt algorithm, require using a secret key to encrypt and decrypt messages.

Unkeyed algorithms, such as the Dual EC_DRBG algorithm, do not require a private key.

Lattices have been studied extensively by mathematicians and have a number of interesting properties.

Image of a computer with green code

For example, every two-dimensional lattice has a basis, a set of vectors defining the lattice.

The number of vectors in a basis is called the rank of the lattice.

The rank of this lattice would be 2.

A periodic lattice is one where the pattern repeats over and over again with no gaps or overlaps.

A chaotic lattice is one with gaps or overlaps in the pattern, introducing randomness in the equation.

The security of lattice-based algorithms often depends on how certain mathematical plans can be solved on lattices.

Both the SVP and CVP are believed to be computationally complex problems.

As a result, algorithms that are based on these problems are resistant to attacks by classical computers.

Four Benefits of Using Lattice-Based Cryptography

Lattice-based cryptography offers a variety of benefits over conventional ciphers.

Some of them are as follows:

1.

Improved Security

One of the biggest benefits of lattice-based cryptography is that it offers improved security.

This is because they can be implemented in hardware that requires less power.

Flexible and Easy to Implement

Another advantage of using lattice-based cryptography is that it is relatively easy to implement.

Lattice-based cryptography can be implemented on off-the-shelf hardware, which makes it more accessible and less expensive.

Additionally, there are no special requirements for implementing lattice-based cryptography.

More importantly, lattice-based ciphers can be used for a number of different applications.

For example, it can be used for digital signatures, password-based encryption, and key exchange.