The Forbes Technology Council posits that as much as quantum computing has a long list of benefits, it also has a share of risks. Quantum computing, a multidisciplinary field that utilises quantum mechanics to solve complex problems, can expose users to various security threats.
“Data securely protected today could be lost to a bad actor that gains access to a future cryptographically relevant quantum computer. These threats will apply to all data, systems, and technologies that are not made quantum-safe,” says Catherine Lian, IBM ASEAN’s GM and Technology leader.
Urgency of quantum-safety
Through projected misuse of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer, harvested, stolen, or lost confidential data over the years could be decrypted. Malicious players can take advantage of digital signatures, legacy systems, digital evidence, and assets on long-term blockchains.
All data, systems, and technologies not made quantum-safe by transitioning to post-quantum cryptography continue to face these risks.
However, cybersecurity infrastructure takes a long time to upgrade. There is urgency in replacing cryptography with quantum-safe cryptographic schemes to mitigate projected risks.
“We believe that the time to start is now. Enterprises need to begin to understand the risks of quantum computing, particularly with respect to quantum-safe, and begin creating an inventory of cryptography usage across the enterprise so they have a comprehensive view. And if planned and executed properly, this can be done in a structured and incremental manner,” Ray Harishankar, IBM Fellow, IBM Quantum-Safe, says.
Journey to quantum-safety
Australia, China, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand are among the countries with a quantum technology development initiative supported by the government towards safer use of quantum technologies.
With the urgency, IBM’s Lian says cryptography experts have been working for years with industry partners on quantum-safe cryptography to set new security standards and protocols.
"We can prioritise what needs to be done, and incrementally go and work with what they believe is the most valuable or vulnerable or critical systems they need to protect and start from there. And finally, moving to transformation with what we call crypto-agility so that you can position yourself to do well in the future,” adds Harishankar.
Quantum-safety in Singapore and beyond
IBM and NCS partnered to co-develop and provide end-to-end quantum-safe and privacy-enhancing services for public agencies and enterprises in Singapore, the first-ever collaboration in ASEAN to help organisations embark on their quantum-safe journeys.
As data protected using public-key encryption could be vulnerable and decrypted by a cryptographically relevant quantum computer in the future, the collaboration speaks of a shared commitment to ensure quantum-safe security.
The partnership will enable NCS to leverage IBM's expertise in quantum-safe security and prepare clients for quantum-safety.