- Developers
- Learn about Meta's approach to implementing post-quantum cryptography in systems like TLS.
- Business
- Understand the long-term security investments needed to protect against future technological shifts.
This episode offers a deep dive into a critical, forward-looking security challenge faced by major tech companies.
65: Getting Ready for Post-Quantum Cryptography
Audio streams from Meta. Your place is remembered on this device.
From Subvolts
Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.
Meta Tech Podcast episode 65 features Sheran and Rafael discussing Meta's work on post-quantum cryptography. They explore the challenges and trade-offs in preparing for a future where quantum computers could break current encryption. The conversation covers why Meta is investing in solutions for potential future threats to protect user safety.
Imagine a future computer that can break today's secret codes. Meta is working on new, stronger codes now to keep your information safe even before those powerful computers exist. This protects you from future digital break-ins.
This episode is for security professionals and developers interested in future-proofing systems. It details Meta's proactive approach to post-quantum cryptography, a critical area for all major tech companies. Listeners will learn about the technical hurdles and strategic decisions involved in adopting new encryption standards to counter emerging quantum computing threats, aligning with broader industry efforts in AI safety and infrastructure resilience.
- HostPascal Harris
- GuestSheran
- GuestRafael
- Episode Title: 65: Getting Ready for Post-Quantum Cryptography
- Show: Meta Tech Podcast
- Length: 36 minutes
- Published: 2024-07-29T14:30:00.000Z
- Guests: Sheran, Rafael
We don't know when but at some point in the future we will face what researchers call a "Quantum Apocalypse". This is when quantum computers will be able to break many of our existing encryption algorithms. To keep Meta'a users safe even from attacks that don't even exist today, Sheran and Rafael are working on post-quantum-ready encryption. Tune in to learn about the various challenges and trade offs that this work brings with it.
Got feedback? Send it to us on Threads (https://threads.net/@metatechpod), Twitter (https://twitter.com/metatechpod), Instagram (https://instagram.com/metatechpod) and don't forget to follow our host @passy (https://twitter.com/passy, https://mastodon.social/@passy, and https://threads.net/@passy_). Fancy working with us? Check out https://www.metacareers.com/.
Links
-
Post-quantum readiness for TLS at Meta: https://engineering.fb.com/2024/05/22/security/post-quantum-readiness-tls-pqr-meta/
-
Fizz TLS implementation: https://github.com/facebookincubator/fizz
-
NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Submissions: https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/post-quantum-cryptography/post-quantum-cryptography-standardization/round-3-submissions
Timestamps
-
Intro 0:06
-
Meta Open Source 101 1:10
-
Intros 1:49
-
Sheran Intro 2:31
-
Rafael Intro 3:37
-
Then Quantum Apocalypse 5:24
-
Why symmetric and asymmetric algos behave differently 8:10
-
Why invest in tomorrow's problems? 9:21
-
First deployment target 14:17
-
Choosing an algorithm 18:06
-
Choosing the right parameters 19:51
-
Performance costs and wins 21:28
-
Stack 23:33
-
Challenges 25:26
-
What's next for PQC? 30:38
-
Working with NIST 32:59
-
Outro 34:30
-
Outtakes 35:43
- Post-Quantum Cryptography
- Sheran and Rafael
- New encryption methods designed to be secure against both current computers and future quantum computers.
- Quantum Apocalypse
- Researchers
- A hypothetical future event where quantum computers break current encryption, threatening digital security.
- Symmetric and asymmetric algos
- Sheran and Rafael
- Two different types of encryption algorithms, which behave differently when faced with quantum computing threats.
87: Everything is Power: Battery Life Engineering for AI Glasses
WithRey, Dmitrii
86: A Hard Cell: Engineering Ultra-Narrow Batteries for AI Glasses
WithKarthik, Myuran
85: Reel Friends: Building Social Discovery that Scales to Billions
WithJoseph, Subasree
Questions people ask
- What is the 'Quantum Apocalypse'?
- It refers to a future point when quantum computers will be powerful enough to break many of today's encryption algorithms, potentially compromising digital security.
- Why is Meta working on post-quantum cryptography now?
- Meta is preparing for future threats to ensure user safety, even against attacks that do not exist today, by developing encryption that can withstand quantum computers.
Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to Meta.

