A Selection of Recent Lattice-based Signature and Encryption Schemes

It is known that the development of quantum computers will break the cryptographic schemes that are in use today. Since Shor’s algorithm is able to solve the factoring and discrete logarithm problems, all cryptographic systems based on these two problems will get broken in the presence of large-scale quantum computers. Lattice-based schemes, however, are considered secure against attacks with these new machines. In this paper we present an overview of lattice-based cryptosystems, showing the most recent and the most promising candidates for encryption and signatures based on lattice problems. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of the cryptographic schemes. We also adjoin details about zero knowledge identification. With this work we try to give insight to one of the most promising candidates of future cryptography, for the time when potential quantum computers exist. We also point out drawbacks of these systems, which discloses directions for future work in lattice-based cryptography.