---
title: Why Our Data Might Need Protection From the Future
date: 2024-03-27T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/why-our-data-might-need-protection-from-the-future"
section: Articles
---
# Why Our Data Might Need Protection From the Future

*March 27, 2024* — by [Shaun Chornobroff M.Jour. ’24](/author/shaun-chornobroff-m-jour-24)


> UMD Cryptography Expert Explains Apple’s Recent ‘Post-Quantum’ Security Move

*Adobe Stock 317475808 Editorial Use Only 1920x1080 — Using Apple's new cryptographic protocol on iMessage now can prevent attackers from using a quantum computer someday to decrypt that message, computer scientist Jonathan Katz explains.*

Computing giant Apple recently [announced it was taking steps](https://security.apple.com/blog/imessage-pq3/) to protect the more than 1 billion people worldwide who use its iMessage app—from a threat that doesn’t yet exist.

Hackers today might be able to steal your password, but they can’t crack the “cryptographic keys” that lock down messages, at least not using the current generation of so-called classical computers, said University of Maryland computer science Professor Jonathan Katz.


*Jonathan Katz portrait — Photo by Tom Ventsias*




**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Computer Science](https://today.umd.edu/topic/computer-science), [Cybersecurity](https://today.umd.edu/topic/cybersecurity), [Quantum Science](https://today.umd.edu/topic/quantum-science), [Research](https://today.umd.edu/topic/research)


**Units:** [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences)