Accelerating the Post-Quantum Revolution: High-Performance Solutions for Tomorrow’s Cryptography

Speaker 

Dr. Eslam Tawfik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Ohio State University, where he directs the Secure Microelectronics and Artificial Intelligence Circuits (SMART) Lab.

Abstract

As quantum computing emerges on the horizon, traditional cryptographic systems such as RSA face unprecedented vulnerabilities, necessitating a swift transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This talk examines the critical need for PQC by exploring its fundamental role in safeguarding communications against quantum-enabled threats. In an era where IoT devices, automotive systems, and next-generation 6G networks are rapidly evolving, the demand for secure, efficient, and scalable cryptographic solutions has never been greater.

We will delve into practical use cases highlighting PQC’s importance, discussing how modern applications require not only enhanced security but also the ability to handle high data rates and dynamic environments. A comparative analysis between RSA and PQC reveals that while PQC offers robust resistance to quantum attacks, it also presents unique challenges. These challenges include managing the complex mathematical foundations of new cryptographic algorithms and meeting the stringent performance and adaptability requirements of real-world systems.

Addressing these issues calls for innovative acceleration strategies. The talk will detail why hardware acceleration is critical for PQC, outlining how dedicated accelerators can overcome the computational burdens imposed by high throughput and intricate algebraic operations. Within this context, examples of state-of-the-art modular accelerators employing RISC-V compatible instruction sets will be discussed, illustrating how integrated hardware-software designs can effectively support standardized PQC schemes such as ML-DSA and ML-KEM. These solutions exemplify how full acceleration can be realized, offering the flexibility and performance required by diverse, high-speed cryptographic applications.

Ultimately, this presentation provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities in implementing PQC, emphasizing that acceleration is not just an enhancement but a necessity for a secure, scalable, and quantum-resilient future in cryptography.

Biography

Tawfik arrived at ESL after serving as an assistant professor at Benha University, Egypt. He earned his Ph.D. in micro-nano electronics from INPG, Grenoble, France, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Benha University, Egypt, in microelectronics and data security. Along with various academic positions at leading international universities, including Zewail City of Science, Egypt, and The American University in Cairo, Tawfik held research engineering roles at the Information Technology Institute (ITI) and Mentor Graphics.

At ESL, Tawfik leads the Secure Microelectronics and Artificial Intelligence Circuits (SMART) Lab.