Seamless Transition to Post-Quantum TLS 1.3: A Hybrid Approach Using Identity-Based Encryption

Area of Science:

• Cryptography
• Network Security
• Computer Science

Background:

• Transport Layer Security (TLS) is crucial for secure internet communication.
• The advent of quantum computing necessitates a transition to post-quantum cryptography.
• Migrating existing TLS implementations to new cryptographic standards presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel solution for migrating TLS to post-quantum Key Encapsulation Mechanism for Transport Layer Security (KEMTLS).
• To minimize infrastructure modifications required for this migration.
• To enable the reuse of existing cryptographic keys and certificates.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging Identity-Based Encryption (IBE) to facilitate the migration.
• Developing a proof-of-concept implementation of the proposed solution.
• Conducting performance analysis to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a streamlined process for TLS to KEMTLS migration.
• Successfully minimized the need for extensive infrastructure overhauls.
• Validated the reuse of existing keys and certificates within the new framework.

Conclusions:

• The proposed IBE-based solution offers a practical and effective approach for transitioning TLS to KEMTLS.
• This method significantly reduces the complexity and cost associated with adopting post-quantum cryptography.
• The findings pave the way for secure, quantum-resistant communication protocols.