Securing the Future: A Comprehensive Review of Post-Quantum Cryptography and Emerging Algorithms

In the modern world, technological advancements are being made nearly every day. However, some of these advancements also give way to new vulnerabilities in the security systems implemented in the world today. Specifically, the slowly growing realm of quantum computers has triggered many researchers and experts to raise the alarm on the security of current cryptographic methods used to safeguard personal and valuable information from unauthorized entities. Many experts agree that the topic of post-quantum cryptography is a field that needs immediate attention to prevent a severe crisis when quantum computers become stable enough to run reliably. While it has been slow to this point, a breakthrough will likely trigger a wave of innovation that could rapidly overtake the world. In this paper, the current cryptographic systems, the basics of quantum computing, and post-quantum cryptography as well as the new algorithms associated with it will be discussed. This paper will provide a base of information in which readers will be introduced to several viewpoints regarding the matter of post-quantum cryptography.