Peter Schwabe at a Cyberstorm.mu Social Event

Hackathon, Meetup & Discussion

Cyberstorm.mu welcomed Peter Schwabe for an insightful evening where he shared his expertise on cryptography.

Recently, Cyberstorm.mu hosted a social event, featuring none other than Peter Schwabe, Scientific Director at the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) and part-time professor at Radboud University. He was joined by his partner Veelasha Moonsamy who is also active in research. As a co-author of the post-quantum cryptographic scheme CRYSTALS-Kyber, which has been selected for standardization by NIST, Peter’s visit was a unique opportunity for our local community to engage with a renowned expert in the field.

A Relaxed Evening with a Cryptography Expert

The event took place in the welcoming setting of Happy Rajah in Grand Baie, providing an ideal atmosphere for engaging discussions. Over a delightful dinner, Peter Schwabe shared his experiences and insights into the world of post-quantum cryptography.

Discussions on Cryptography

In our conversations, Peter highlighted the importance of using specialized languages like Jasmin for cryptographic implementations. Unlike more popular languages such as C, Go or Rust, Jasmin provides a higher level of assurance in security through formal verification, which is essential for preventing vulnerabilities in cryptographic code.

We also touched on the Formosa project which focuses on creating high-assurance cryptographic software.

For more detailed insights on these topics, you can refer to Peter Schwabe’s presentation slides from the 2023 CHES conference, available here.

Addressing Skepticism about Post Quantum Cryptography

In response to skeptics who question the need for post-quantum algorithms based on doubts about whether quantum computers will ever become a reality, Peter made it clear that these concerns are irrelevant. The fact is, standardization bodies are already advancing post-quantum algorithms regardless of whether quantum computers become a reality. The momentum in this field is undeniable and is driven by concrete actions.

Moreover, IBM has met all the milestones outlined in its quantum roadmap thus far, underscoring the tangible progress in the field. The urgency and necessity of developing robust post-quantum cryptographic solutions are clear and these advancements are happening now.

Pioneering Future Research in Mauritius

Cyberstorm.mu is committed to fostering collaboration and creating opportunities within the local community. As part of this mission, we invited Anwar Chutoo, a lecturer from the University of Mauritius, to join our event. This initiative aims to support local educational institutions by enhancing their engagement with international cryptography experts, cultivating local talent and strengthening Mauritius’s role in post-quantum cryptography research.

Future Directions

Following our discussions, Peter and Veelasha proposed several initiatives to advance the field in Mauritius. Additionally, plans are underway for Peter to give a talk at the University of Mauritius in the coming weeks, further strengthening the connection between the local academic community and global cryptography research.

Addressing Broader Challenges

The event also included a discussion with Veelasha about the gender gap and challenges faced by researchers in computer science. These important topics highlighted the need for greater inclusivity and support for diverse talent in the field.

Looking Forward

The conversation with Peter Schwabe has left us with much to think about as we navigate the evolving landscape of cryptographic security. It was a reminder of the importance of staying informed and engaged with the latest advancements in the field.

Kudos to Cyberstorm.mu for organizing this insightful and engaging evening. We look forward to more opportunities to connect with leading experts and continue our journey into the world of technology and security.

Article by Keelan Cannoo, core member of cyberstorm.mu

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