🇺🇸 Quantum Crypto Glossary
for United States

A step-by-step set of instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task. In cryptography, algorithms determine how data gets encrypted and decrypted.

A distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers simultaneously. Each block contains a batch of transactions and is cryptographically linked to the previous block, forming an unbreakable chain.

A digital signature scheme selected by NIST as a post-quantum cryptography standard. It uses lattice-based mathematics to create signatures that remain secure even against quantum computer attacks.

A key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) chosen by NIST as the primary post-quantum encryption standard. It allows two parties to securely establish a shared secret key over a public channel.

Financial services built on blockchain technology that operate without traditional intermediaries like banks. DeFi includes lending, borrowing, trading, and earning interest on crypto assets.

Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm. The signature scheme used by Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most current cryptocurrencies to prove ownership of funds and authorize transactions.

The process of converting readable data (plaintext) into scrambled, unreadable form (ciphertext) using a mathematical algorithm and a key. Only someone with the correct key can reverse the process.

A quantum computing algorithm discovered by Lov Grover in 1996 that can search an unsorted database quadratically faster than any classical algorithm. It effectively halves the security of symmetric encryption.

A mathematical function that takes any input and produces a fixed-size output (the hash). Good hash functions are one-way: you cannot reverse-engineer the input from the output.

A cryptographic protocol that allows two parties to securely agree on a shared secret key. Unlike traditional key exchange, KEMs are designed to be resistant to both classical and quantum attacks.

A family of cryptographic systems built on the mathematical difficulty of solving problems related to geometric lattices in high-dimensional space. These problems are believed to be hard for both classical and quantum computers.

A computational problem that forms the mathematical foundation of many lattice-based cryptographic schemes. It involves distinguishing between random noise and structured data hidden in noise.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, a U.S. federal agency that develops technology standards. NIST ran a multi-year competition to select post-quantum cryptography standards, finalizing selections in 2024.

Cryptographic algorithms specifically designed to be secure against attacks from both classical computers and quantum computers. These algorithms use mathematical problems that quantum computers cannot efficiently solve.

An early-access token sale that occurs before a cryptocurrency's public launch. Presale participants typically receive tokens at a lower price in exchange for supporting the project early.

The fundamental unit of quantum information. Unlike a classical bit that is either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously, enabling quantum computers to process vast amounts of information in parallel.

A type of computation that harnesses quantum mechanical phenomena — superposition, entanglement, and interference — to process information in fundamentally different ways than classical computers.

The property of a cryptographic system that remains secure even when attacked by a quantum computer. A quantum-resistant system uses mathematical problems that quantum algorithms cannot efficiently solve.

The point at which a quantum computer can perform a specific calculation that no classical computer could complete in a reasonable timeframe. Google claimed quantum supremacy in 2019 with its Sycamore processor.

One of the earliest and most widely used public-key cryptosystems, named after its inventors Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman. RSA's security depends on the difficulty of factoring large numbers.

Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit. A cryptographic hash function that produces a unique 256-bit (32-byte) output for any input. It is used extensively in Bitcoin and other blockchains.

A quantum algorithm discovered by Peter Shor in 1994 that can factor large integers and compute discrete logarithms exponentially faster than any known classical algorithm.

A self-executing program stored on a blockchain that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement when predefined conditions are met. No intermediary is needed.

A hash-based digital signature scheme selected by NIST as a post-quantum standard. Unlike lattice-based schemes, SPHINCS+ relies solely on the security of hash functions, providing a different mathematical foundation.

The process of locking up cryptocurrency tokens in a network to support blockchain operations like transaction validation. In return, stakers earn rewards, similar to earning interest.

A digital asset created and managed on a blockchain. Tokens can represent currency, voting rights, access to services, or any other form of value.

A software application or hardware device that stores the cryptographic keys needed to send, receive, and manage cryptocurrency. Your wallet does not actually store coins — it stores the keys that prove you own them.

A DeFi strategy where users move their crypto assets between different protocols to maximize returns. It involves providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges or lending platforms in exchange for rewards.

A cryptographic method that allows one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any information beyond the truth of the statement itself.

A distribution of free cryptocurrency tokens sent directly to wallet addresses, typically used as a marketing strategy to increase awareness and adoption of a new project.

The method by which a blockchain network agrees on the current state of the ledger. Common mechanisms include Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and their variants.

A mathematical scheme that verifies the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. It proves that a message was created by a known sender and was not altered in transit.

The cost required to perform a transaction or execute a smart contract on a blockchain network. Gas fees compensate validators for the computational resources they expend.

A quantum mechanical property where a qubit exists in multiple states (both 0 and 1) simultaneously until it is measured. This is what gives quantum computers their parallel processing power.

A quantum phenomenon where two or more qubits become correlated so that the state of one instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.