Quantum-Resistant Encryption

The post-quantum cryptography (“PQC”) problem will threaten the security of the world’s computer networks when large-scale quantum computers become available. The problem exists because such quantum computers would be able to break the security of widely-used public key cryptography, which allows remote parties to communicate securely and authenticate transactions and data without sharing a secret key in advance. It is uncertain when (and if) such quantum computers will become available - the nearest estimates are 10 to 15 years. Fortunately, there are good solutions to the PQC problem, and better ones are emerging. The hard questions for individual computer system operators involve when and how to address the PQC problem, given its uncertain timing and the evolving solutions. Speaker: Maury Shenk's experience focuses at the intersection of technology, law and education. He is co-founder and CEO of edtech start-up LearnerShape, director of global testing and certification company PeopleCert, and founder and managing director of Lily Innovation, through which he handles a portfolio of other investment and advisory activities. Maury is a dual-qualified US/UK lawyer and former managing partner of the London office of global law firm Steptoe & Johnson, where he remains an advisor. He has a deep practical understanding of technology, especially artificial intelligence, IT, telecommunications and information security. Maury is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School. He is a lover of languages – a native speaker of English (the American version), proficient in French and Russian, comfortable in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, and dilettante in German, Italian, Norwegian and Greek. He is also a guitar player and an avid competitive and recreational sailor.