Systems and methods for post-quantum cryptography communications channels

US11218301B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. · US

Inventors

• Bradford A. Shea · Mint Hill, US
• M. Erik Meinholz · Charlotte, US
• Robert L. Carter, Jr. · Pleasant Hill, US
• Jeff J. Stapleton · Helotes, US
• Abhijit Rao · Irvine, US
• Pierre Arbajian · Matthews, US
• Peter Bordow · Fountain Hills, US
• Ravi K. Maganti · Waxhaw, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 10, 2019
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 12, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L9/0631
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for PQC. An example method includes transmitting a first portion of an electronic communication to a client device over a non-PQC communications channel. The example method further includes transmitting a quantum cryptographic key to the client device over a quantum communications channel and authenticating a session with the client device over the non-PQC communications channel based on the quantum cryptographic key. Subsequently, the example method includes, in response to authentication of the session with the client device, transmitting a second portion of the electronic communication to the client device over a PQC communications channel. In some instances, the first portion of the electronic communication may comprise overhead data, and the second portion of the electronic communication may comprise payload data.