Even quantum computers may struggle to breach this encryption.

With Google’s Chrome browser, customers can rest assured their browsing is secure, partly due to the work of talented cryptographers. He’s a coauthor of a quantum-secure encryption algorithm, which has been endorsed by the U.S. government in a significant departure from its typical approach. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued the standard in August, and its implementation has begun to be applied across various knowledge-based products, including Google Chrome.

Rapid breakthroughs in cryptography have sparked concerns that emerging technologies may potentially compromise the encryption used by many modern innovations. Cryptographic methods often rely on intricate mathematical conundrums that are computationally infeasible for traditional computing architectures to decipher. Quantum computers, leveraging the unique properties of superposition and entanglement, possess the potential to rapidly address such concerns, thereby rendering current encryption vulnerable to attack by an adequately powerful machine.

In 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated a search for innovative encryption methods capable of withstanding attacks from emerging quantum computer systems. In 2022, the company unveiled its inaugural cohort of winners, featuring a scheme co-authored by Bos, the technical lead of the post-quantum cryptography team at KU Leuven in Belgium.

Right now, Bos is focused on integrating the algorithm into NXP’s portfolio of embedded hardware products, encompassing chips for credit cards, contactless payment terminals, Internet of Things devices, and vehicles.

As someone who derives immense pleasure from resolving complex problems, Bos found himself naturally inclined towards a career in cryptography. While pursuing his passion, he may inadvertently contribute to creating a safer world, which would be an added advantage.

“If an analysis proved utterly futile, I would still consider conducting it,” he remarks. “While working on captivating math puzzles may seem impressive, it has a profoundly positive impact not just on yourself but also on those around you, fostering a truly remarkable dynamic.”

Discovering Cryptography

Born in a small city near Haarlem, Netherlands, Bos’s upbringing was marked by an early exposure to innovation. His father worked at a financial institution and kept a desktop computer at home. Bos started using it to play video games, but soon became enthralled by the underlying technology and quickly acquired expertise. By the time he turned 15, he had established himself as a sought-after freelance programmer, taking on numerous projects for prominent corporations.

During his high school years, he developed an interest in more advanced computer science concepts, including algorithms and computational complexity. In 2001, he became enthralled by these subjects and subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. After earning his degree in 2004, he pursued a master’s degree in grid computing, completing it in 2006.

As he delved deeper into his graduate studies, Bos found himself drawn to the intricacies of algorithm design and more mathematically rigorous computer science, yet he remained committed to tackling real-world problems that could have a tangible impact. With his interests in both computer science and mathematics, he eventually stumbled upon cryptography, a field that harmoniously merged these passions. “It’s a convergence of engineering, computer science, and mathematics,” he remarks.

This realization prompted Bos to pursue a Ph.D. Program conducted within the laboratory of a renowned cryptographer in Switzerland. The BOSS project was initiated in 2007 due to the innovative approach by the laboratory to employ unconventional hardware – namely, gaming consoles – for cryptanalysis, which involves deciphering encrypted data.

His Ph.D. Using more than 200 PlayStation 3 consoles in a distributed computing project focused on the mathematical application of elliptic curve arithmetic. The consoles’ multicore processors leveraged the work of , , and , whose innovative design elegantly handled the simultaneous execution of multiple computational tasks, a characteristic particularly well-suited for the demands of cryptanalysis.

Studying About Lattices

Throughout his Ph.D. Researching under Dr. Bos’s guidance, he collaborated with another renowned expert in the field, who happened to be located on campus at that time. After completing his Ph.D., the pair clicked, said Bos, leading to an invitation from Montgomery’s lab in Redmond, Washington, to become a postdoctoral researcher. in 2012.

Shifting from academia to company R&D was a useful expertise, says Bos, as he received to see how analysis is translated into real-world merchandise. He notes that the experience was surprisingly motivational. “For those who craft innovative algorithms, their creations may become part of a prominent crypto library, ultimately benefiting millions of users globally.”

While working at Microsoft, Bos became involved with an emerging methodology called lattice-based cryptography, which relies heavily on the mathematical properties of vectors within a grid structure. These schemes have shown promise due to their ability to be employed for both quantum-secure encryption and homomorphic computation, enabling processing of encrypted data without prior decryption.

After spending two years in America, Bos and his spouse decided they needed to be closer to their home. In 2014, he relocated to Belgium to take on the role of cryptography researcher at NXP. He was appointed to the corporation’s innovation team, responsible for conceptualizing products several years ahead on the company’s product roadmap.

As advancements unfolded, it became evident that secure encryption methods are crucial, asserts Bos. With collaborative efforts from researchers at various renowned institutions, including , , , and multiple universities, he contributed to designing the lattice-based CRYSTALS-Kyber encryption scheme, which was subsequently submitted to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2017.

From Cryptography Analysis to Merchandise

Since then, Bos has focused on integrating the algorithm into NXP’s embedded hardware platforms. Lattice-based encryption schemes require substantially more memory resources than their predecessors, posing a significant challenge for implementation on resource-constrained devices like those found in ID cards and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. The staff required recalibrating the fundamental mathematical structure of the algorithm and rearchitecting it to operate efficiently on the customised microprocessors.

Over the years, Bos notes that his profession has undergone significant development. He’s transitioned from solely conducting in-depth analyses to leading a team and collaborating closely with various departments to effectively implement their insights and drive tangible product enhancements. To excel in his role, he stresses the importance of cultivating skills that enable him to effectively bridge the gap between technical engineers and business-oriented teams.

As staff chief, he faces intense pressure due to NXP’s need to stay ahead of the curve in post-quantum encryption developments. The company’s chip designs are initially incorporated into a broader supply chain, notes the executive, as they need to be integrated into larger systems developed by component manufacturers. Techniques developed through rigorous research and testing are subsequently sold to system manufacturers or automotive companies, who integrate them into their flagship products.

According to Bos, each of these steps can take years. To ensure compliance with government-recommended timelines for migrating to post-quantum cryptography by the early 2030s, NXP’s chips must be quantum-safe in order that their tip customers can meet these deadlines.

A Pleasant Subject

One of the many advantages Bos appreciates most about the world of cryptography is its relatively small and inclusive nature. “Everyone’s tremendous pleasant,” he says. “When attending a crypto convention, attendees have the unique opportunity to mingle with legendary figures from the 1970s who pioneered the industry, allowing for personal interactions with the people who laid the groundwork for modern cryptocurrency.”

The sector’s significant scale also implies that cryptocurrency experts are in high demand, which can lead to a discipline with excellent career opportunities for those who enter this field. While some positions demand strong mathematical proficiency, numerous alternatives exist for individuals with a more conventional computer science background; conversely, companies continually seek out talented electrical engineers to design innovative cryptographic hardware solutions.

While a postgraduate diploma in certain fields can be advantageous, NXP and similar corporations often invest heavily in internal training, rendering it more of a nice-to-have rather than a strict requirement, according to industry experts like Bos. By offering online courses in cryptography or safety programs, he provides a unique differentiator. Ultimately, securing the correct viewpoint is paramount. “Motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are essential prerequisites for success,” declares Bos. “I firmly conclude that these are indeed the most substantial components.”