By: Anand Patil
On October 23, 2019, researchers from Google made an official announcement of a major breakthrough one that scientists compared to the Wright Brothers first flight, or even mans first moon landing. They said to have achieved Quantum Supremacy, meaning that they had created a Quantum Computer that could perform a calculation that is considered impossible by the classical computers of today. The announcement was a landmark, highlighting the possibilities of Quantum Computing.
The concept of Quantum Computing itself isnt new. It is a field that has been a point of interest of physicists and computer researchers since the 1980s. Googles announcement, however, has brought it to the mainstream, and shone a spotlight on the promise that this niche field of innovation holds. Of course, like someone once said, with great power comes with great responsibility, so this field isnt without complexities.
The Possibilities of Quantum Computing
Quantum Computing is a branch of computer science that is focused on leveraging the principles of quantum physics to develop computer technology. Quantum Computers hold the promise to power major advances in various fields that require complex calculations from materials science and pharmaceuticals to aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI).
So far, Quantum Computers have been nothing more than fancy laboratory experiments large and expensive but they have successfully demonstrated that the underlying principles are sound and have the potential to transform industries and accelerate innovation like never before. This has spurred scientific and industrial interest in this nascent field, giving rise to multiple projects across the world in pursuit of creating a viable, general-use Quantum Computer. That said, it may still be many years before Quantum Computers are commercially and generally available.
So Why Does It Matter Today?The possibility of Quantum Computers poses a serious challenge to cryptographic algorithms deployed widely today. Todays key-exchange algorithms, like RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and others, rely on very difficult mathematical problems such as prime factorization for their security, which a Quantum computer would be able to solve much faster than a classical computer.
For example, it would take a classical computer centuries or even longer, to break modern algorithms like DH, RSA-2048 etc. by using brute-force methods. However, given the power and efficiency of quantum machines in calculations such as finding prime factors of large numbers it may be possible for a quantum computer to break current asymmetric algorithms in a matter of days
So, while the encrypted internet is not at risk at the moment, all that a bad actor has to do is capture the encrypted data today including the initial key exchange, and then wait until a powerful enough quantum computer is available to decrypt it. This is particularly a problem for organizations that have large amounts of sensitive data that they need to protect over the long term such as Banks, Governments and Defense agencies.
What Can I Do Now?For organizations that could be at risk in the future, this is the best time to start evaluating post-quantum cryptography. Simply put, this means moving to algorithms and/or keys that are a lot more robust and can withstand a brute-force attack by a quantum computer i.e. quantum resistant.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US is leading the effort towards the standardization of post-quantum secure algorithms. However, given the lengthy process involved, this may take many years to fructify.
An alternative is to use Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques with existing algorithms that are considered quantum-safe. This involves using a dedicated optical channel to exchange keys using the quantum properties of photons. Any attempt to tap this secure channel will lead to a change in the quantum state of the photon and can be immediately detected and therefore the key is unhackable. One of the limitations of QKD in this method is the need for a dedicated optical channel that cannot span more than 50km between the two terminals. Of course, this also means that the existing encryption devices or routers should be capable of ingesting such Quantum-Generated keys.
Post-Quantum Cryptography and CiscoCisco is an active contributor to the efforts to standardize post-quantum algorithms. However, recognizing that an implementable standard may be some years away, there is work ongoing to ensure that organizations are able to implement quantum-resistant encryption techniques in the interim, that leverage existing network devices like routers which are most commonly used as encryptors.
To start with, a team of veteran technical leaders and cryptography experts from the US and India developed an API interface called the Secure Key Import Protocol or SKIP through which Cisco routers can securely ingest keys from an external post-quantum key source. This allows existing Cisco routers to be quantum-ready, with just the addition of an external QKD system. Going forward, this team is working on a way to deliver quantum-safe encryption keys without the need for short-range point-to-point connections.
The advantage of this method is that organizations can integrate post-quantum key sources with existing networking gear in a modular fashion without the need to replace anything already installed. In this manner, you could create a quantum-ready network for all traffic with minimal effort.
Getting Ready for the Post-Quantum WorldQuantum Supremacy is an event which demonstrates that a quantum machine is able to solve a problem that no classical computer can solve in a feasible amount of time. This race has gathered momentum in the recent past with several companies joining the bandwagon, and some even claiming to have achieved it.
There is an unprecedented amount of attention focused on making a commercially viable quantum computer. Many believe it is inevitable, and only a question of time. When it does happen, the currently used cryptography techniques will become vulnerable, and therefore be limited in their security. The good news is, there are methods available to adopt strong encryption techniques that will remain secure even after quantum computers are generally available.
If you are an organization that wants to protect its sensitive data over the long term, you should start to evaluate post-quantum secure encryption techniques today. By leveraging existing networking infrastructure and adding suitable post-quantum key distribution techniques, it is possible to take a quantum leap in securing your data.
(The author is Director, Systems Engineering, Cisco India and SAARC and the views expressed in this article are his own)
See the rest here:
Quantum Computing and the Cryptography Conundrum - CXOToday.com
- The Quantum Computer Revolution Is Closer Than You May Think - National Review - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Time Crystals Could be the Key to the First Quantum Computer - TrendinTech - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- quantum computing - WIRED UK - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Chinese scientists build world's first quantum computing machine - India Today - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Here's How We Can Achieve Mass-Produced Quantum Computers - ScienceAlert - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- D-Wave partners with U of T to move quantum computing along - Financial Post - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Team develops first blockchain that can't be hacked by quantum computer - Siliconrepublic.com - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Telstra just wants a quantum computer to offer as-a-service - ZDNet - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Research collaborative pursues advanced quantum computing - Phys.Org - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Market Forecast 2017-2022 | Market ... - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Is Real, and D-Wave Just Open ... - WIRED - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- FinDEVr London: Preparing for the Dark Side of Quantum Computing - GlobeNewswire (press release) - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Purdue, Microsoft to Collaborate on Quantum Computer - Photonics.com - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Scientists May Have Found a Way to Combat Quantum Computer Blockchain Hacking - Futurism - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Microsoft and Purdue work on scalable topological quantum computer - Next Big Future - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- HYPRES Expands Efforts in Quantum Computing with Launch of European Subsidiary SeeQC - Business Wire (press release) - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- From the Abacus to Supercomputers to Quantum Computers - Duke Today - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Accenture, Biogen, 1QBit Launch Quantum Computing App to ... - HIT Consultant - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- The US and China "Quantum Computing Arms Race" Will Change Long-Held Dynamics in Commerce, Intelligence ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing Technologies markets will reach $10.7 billion by 2024 - PR Newswire (press release) - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- A Hybrid of Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Is Spawning New Ventures - IEEE Spectrum - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- KPN CISO details Quantum computing attack dangers - Mobile World Live - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Get ahead in quantum computing AND attract Goldman Sachs - eFinancialCareers - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Accenture, 1QBit partner for drug discovery through quantum ... - ZDNet - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Toward optical quantum computing - MIT News - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Quantum computing, the machines of tomorrow | The Japan Times - The Japan Times - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Its time to decide how quantum computing will help your ... - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- Israel Enters Quantum Computer Race, Placing Encryption at Ever-Greater Risk - Sputnik International - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Prototype device enables photon-photon interactions at room ... - Phys.Org - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Dow and 1QBit Announce Collaboration Agreement on Quantum Computing - Business Wire (press release) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Imperfect crystals may be perfect storage method for quantum computing - Digital Trends - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Dow Chemical, 1QBit Ink Quantum Computing Development Deal - Zacks.com - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Google on track for quantum computer breakthrough by end of 2017 - New Scientist - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- USC to lead project to build super-speedy quantum computers - USC News - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- The Quantum Computer Factory That's Taking on Google and IBM ... - WIRED - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- The weird science of quantum computing, communications and encryption - C4ISR & Networks - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Multi-coloured photons in 100 dimensions may make quantum ... - Cosmos - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- Global Quantum Computing Market Growth at a CAGR of 35.12 ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- Qudits: The Real Future of Quantum Computing? - IEEE Spectrum - IEEE Spectrum - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- New method could enable more stable and scalable quantum ... - Phys.Org - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- Quantum computers are about to get real | Science News - Science News Magazine - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- Quantum Computing - Scientific American - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- Australia's ambitious plan to win the quantum race - ZDNet - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- How quantum mechanics can change computing - The Conversation - The Conversation US - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- UNSW joins with government and business to keep quantum computing technology in Australia - The Australian Financial Review - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- UNSW launches Australia's first hardware quantum computing company with investments from federal and NSW ... - OpenGov Asia - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Finns chill out quantum computers with qubit refrigerator to cut out errors - ZDNet - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Hype and cash are muddying public understanding of quantum ... - The Conversation AU - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- IEEE Approves Standards Project for Quantum Computing ... - insideHPC - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Silicon Quantum Computing launched to commercialise UNSW ... - ZDNet - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- The Era of Quantum Computing Is Here. Outlook: Cloudy ... - January 30th, 2018 [January 30th, 2018]
- The Era of Quantum Computing Is Here. Outlook: Cloudy | WIRED - February 6th, 2018 [February 6th, 2018]
- Quantum computing in the NISQ era and beyond - February 6th, 2018 [February 6th, 2018]
- What is quantum computing? - Definition from WhatIs.com - February 6th, 2018 [February 6th, 2018]
- Quantum computers - WIRED UK - February 19th, 2018 [February 19th, 2018]
- Is Quantum Computing an Existential Threat to Blockchain ... - February 21st, 2018 [February 21st, 2018]
- What is Quantum Computing? Webopedia Definition - March 25th, 2018 [March 25th, 2018]
- Quantum Computing Explained - WIRED UK - April 15th, 2018 [April 15th, 2018]
- Quantum computing: A simple introduction - Explain that Stuff - June 2nd, 2018 [June 2nd, 2018]
- What are quantum computers and how do they work? WIRED ... - June 22nd, 2018 [June 22nd, 2018]
- How Quantum Computers Work - July 22nd, 2018 [July 22nd, 2018]
- The reality of quantum computing could be just three years ... - September 12th, 2018 [September 12th, 2018]
- The 3 Types of Quantum Computers and Their Applications - November 24th, 2018 [November 24th, 2018]
- Quantum Computing - VLAB - January 27th, 2019 [January 27th, 2019]
- Quantum Computing | Centre for Quantum Computation and ... - January 27th, 2019 [January 27th, 2019]
- Microsofts quantum computing network takes a giant leap ... - March 7th, 2019 [March 7th, 2019]
- IBM hits quantum computing milestone, may see 'Quantum ... - March 7th, 2019 [March 7th, 2019]
- Quantum technology - Wikipedia - March 13th, 2019 [March 13th, 2019]
- Quantum Computing | D-Wave Systems - April 18th, 2019 [April 18th, 2019]
- Microsoft will open-source parts of Q#, the programming ... - May 7th, 2019 [May 7th, 2019]
- What Is Quantum Computing? The Complete WIRED Guide | WIRED - May 8th, 2019 [May 8th, 2019]
- The five pillars of Edge Computing -- and what is Edge computing anyway? - Information Age - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- Moore's Law Is Dying. This Brain-Inspired Analogue Chip Is a Glimpse of What's Next - Singularity Hub - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- Experts Gather at Fermilab for International Workshop on Cryogenic Electronics for Quantum Systems - Quantaneo, the Quantum Computing Source - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- Princeton announces initiative to propel innovations in quantum science and technology - Princeton University - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- Detecting Environmental 'Noise' That Can Damage The Quantum State of Qubits - In Compliance - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- Quantum Computing beginning talks with clients on its quantum asset allocation application - Proactive Investors USA & Canada - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- What is quantum computing? The next era of computational evolution, explained - Digital Trends - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- IT sees the Emergence of Quantum Computing as a Looming Threat to Keeping Valuable Information Confidential - Quantaneo, the Quantum Computing Source - October 23rd, 2019 [October 23rd, 2019]
- More wrong answers get quantum computers to find the right one - Futurity: Research News - October 23rd, 2019 [October 23rd, 2019]