Is Time Quantum-Safe? A Practical Evaluation of Secure Time Protocols (Q21b)
Cryptographic systems depend on trusted time for certificate validity, authentication, and system integrity, yet its quantum-safety is rarely examined. As post-quantum cryptography (PQC) becomes operational, secure time protocols must evolve to support quantum-safe authentication. This talk explores widely used time synchronization protocols, including NTP/NTS, PTP, and Roughtime, assessing their readiness for PQC and the integration of PQC signature standards along with short-signature alternatives. The speakers present a proof-of-concept implementation, discuss performance impact, packet size constraints, and protocol limitations, and design considerations for building quantum-safe time synchronization.