With the new protocol, Apple becomes one of only a handful of providers featuring post-quantum cryptography for messages. Signal launched a quantum resistant encryption upgrade back in September 2023, but Apple says its the first to reach level 3 encryption.

According to the Cupertino-based company:

Apples iMessage has featured end-to-end encryption since its inception. While it initially used RSA encryption, the company switched to Elliptic Curve cryptography (ECC) in 2019.

As of current, breaking such encryption is considered infeasible due to the amount of time and computing power required. However, the threat of quantum computing looms closer every day.

Theoretically, a quantum computer of sufficient capabilities could break todays encryption methods with relative ease. To the best of our knowledge there arent any current quantum computing systems capable of doing so, but the rapid pace of advancement has caused governments and organizations around the world to begin preparations.

The big idea is that by developing post-quantum cryptography methods ahead of time, good actors such as banks and hospitals can safeguard their data against malicious actors with access to cutting-edge technology.

Theres no current time frame for the advent of quantum computers capable of breaking standard cryptography. IBMclaims it will have hit an inflection point in quantum computing by 2029, while MIT/Harvard spinout QuEra says it will have had a 10,000-qubit error-corrected system by 2026.

Unfortunately, bad actors arent waiting until they can get their hands on a quantum computer to start their attacks. Many are harvesting encrypted data illicitly and storing it for decryption later in whats commonly known as a HNDL attack (harvest now, decrypt later).

Related: Oxford economist who predicted crypto going mainstream says quantum economics is next

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Singapore warns banks to prepare for quantum computing cyber threat – Finextra

Posted: at 12:15 am

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has told the country's financial institutions to make sure they are prepared for the rising cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing.

Experts predict that over the next decade cryptographically relevant quantum computers will start posing cybersecurity risks. These computers will break commonly-used asymmetric cryptography, while symmetric cryptography could require larger key sizes to remain secure.

A recent DTCC white paper warned that quantum computing could "create significant new risks for financial firms by making even the most highly protected computer systems vulnerable to hacking".

In an advisory to FS firms, MAS says this means the sector needs to attain 'cryptoagility' to be able to efficiently migrate away from the vulnerable cryptographic algorithms to post-quantum cryptography without significantly impacting their IT systems and infrastructure.

To help them prepare, the regulator says companies should be monitoring ongoing quantum computing developments; making sure management and third party vendors are up to speed on the subject; and working with vendors to assess IT supply chain risks.

Firms should be maintaining an inventory of cryptographic assets, and identifying critical assets to be prioritised for migration to quantum-resistant encryption, says the MAS.

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Singapore warns banks to prepare for quantum computing cyber threat - Finextra

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New Superconducting Flowermon Superconducting Qubit Designed to Greatly Increase Coherence Times – Quantum Computing Report

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New Superconducting Flowermon Superconducting Qubit Designed to Greatly Increase Coherence Times Quantum Computing Report

New Superconducting Flowermon Superconducting Qubit Designed to Greatly Increase Coherence Times - Quantum Computing Report

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Apple Ramps Up iMessage Security to Fight Looming Quantum Computing Threat – PCMag

Posted: at 12:15 am

Apple says there's a real risk that future quantum computers could be able to decrypt and read content sent via its iMessage app, so it developed a new protocol to combat the potential threat.

To create the new iMessage protocol, which is called PQ3, Apple says it rebuilt its cryptographic protocol "from the ground up" to redesign iMessage from a security standpoint. PQ stands for post-quantum, and Apple says PQ3 brings a third level of protection to its end users. It's also able to conceal the size of messages, the company says.

Content on iMessage is currently end-to-end encrypted, meaning messages from both the sender and receiver are encrypted so that not even Apple can view your messages.

"The rise of quantum computing threatens to change the equation," Apple's Security Engineering and Architecture (SEAR) team wrote Wednesday.

While some quantum computers already exist and are in use, the Technical University of Denmark said last year that such machines aren't that powerful yet. Researchers estimate that quantum computers may not be able to crack end-to-end encryption for years to come, mainly because current quantum computers simply aren't big enough.

"Even though they cant decrypt any of this data today, they can retain it until they acquire a quantum computer that can decrypt it in the future, an attack scenario known as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later," Apple's SEAR team says.

But Apple's proactive solution aims to alleviate such concerns. Apple will roll out PQ3 on iMessage to fully replace its existing protocol sometime this year. Once Apple users install the software update that includes PQ3, their messages will be protected by it going forward.

PQ3 will launch with iOS 17.4, which is expected in March, as well as iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4, according to Apple. This means Apple plans to add its next-gen security feature to all its devices that offer iMessage, from its iPhones to tablets, computers, and wearables.

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Apple Ramps Up iMessage Security to Fight Looming Quantum Computing Threat - PCMag

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IONQ Stock Outlook: Why This Quantum Computing Play Could Be a Long-Term Winner – InvestorPlace

Posted: at 12:15 am

Traditional computers use binary bits, but quantum computers leverage qubits, enabling faster processing. Conventional semiconductors operate on a binary system, like Nvidia H100s, where each transistor represents a 1 or 0.This will become a central part of this IONQ stock outlook later on.

Quantum computing, however, operates on a different principle, utilizing quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows quantum systems to perform exponentially more calculations than classical systems.

IonQs (NYSE:IONQ) recently achieved a significant milestone in quantum technology, hinting at its potential to revolutionize computing. Its trapped ion tech minimizes QPU size, enhancing power and reducing costs and errors.

As IonQ emerges as a top contender in the quantum computing stocks arena, it has marked a remarkable 117% surge in share price over the past year. Despite a modest 10% gain year-to-date, it presents a suitable entry point for investors.

IonQ, a quantum computing leader, unveiled the USs inaugural quantum computing manufacturing hub in Bothell, WA. The expanded facility accommodates research, development, and production.

The company inaugurated the first US-based factory producing replicable quantum computers for client data centers, enhancing technology innovation and manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest. CEO Peter Chapman highlighted IonQs commitment to commercializing quantum computing.

Sen. Maria Cantwell was also there to show her unending support for IonQ during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She noted the companys hard work and dedication in innovating quantum computing. She emphasized quantum computings transformative potential in various fields. This is central to this IONQ stock outlook.

IonQ continues its streak of success, achieving milestones like #AQ35 ahead of schedule and expanding partnerships with Amazon Braket and QuantumBasel. It collaborates with global giants and secures projects with the US Air Force Research Lab.

In other news, IonQ renews its partnership with SKKU in South Korea, offering continued access to IonQs quantum systems. This fosters innovation and strengthens South Koreas position in quantum computing.

SKKU Professor Yonuk Chong expressed satisfaction with IonQs research outcomes and commitment to future collaboration. South Korea aims to lead in quantum computing, supported by IonQs tangible contributions. This announcement aligns with IonQs broader efforts in South Korea, including partnerships with Hyundai Motors and the government.

In Q3 2023, IonQ achieved significant year-over-year revenue growth of 122%, signaling strong performance and technological advancements. It also showed several bookings totaling to $26.3 million. This surpassed expectations and demonstrated how in demand IonQ is.

When 2023 closed, IONQ achieved its target to $100 million of cumulative bookings since 2021. The company also altered its revenue forecast to $22 million, showing its confidence in achieving such targets through contract milestones.

Moreover, it raised its 2023 booking guidance to $60-63 million, reflecting sustained demand. IONQ introduced Forte Enterprise and Tempo systems to target diverse market needs, emphasizing compactness and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Milestones achieved, such as reaching AQ 29, underscore IONQs forefront position in trapped-ion quantum computing.

IonQs major clients comprise research labs and government bodies like the U.S. Air Force Research Lab and QuantumBasel in Switzerland. Collaborations with Seoul National University in South Korea indicate expansion into academia, and these tie ups suggest theres some powerful money and minds behind IonQ and its innovative goals.

While the roadmap to profitability may take years to play out, I do think IonQ remains intriguing as a speculative buy. I wouldnt recommend any investor put all their chips behind this stock. Its far too risky a bet, and should be lumped in with other high-potential growth stocks in the riskier end of a portfolios barbell strategy.

But for those seeking the next big thing beyond AI, quantum computing is a space to consider for long-term growth. Right now, IonQ looks like a company that could be a winner in this space, though time will tell. This concludes my IONQ stock outlook.

On the date of publication, Chris MacDonald did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Chris MacDonalds love for investing led him to pursue an MBA in Finance and take on a number of management roles in corporate finance and venture capital over the past 15 years. His experience as a financial analyst in the past, coupled with his fervor for finding undervalued growth opportunities, contribute to his conservative, long-term investing perspective.

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IONQ Stock Outlook: Why This Quantum Computing Play Could Be a Long-Term Winner - InvestorPlace

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Apple future-proofing iMessage to protect against the scary future of quantum computing hacking – TechRadar

Posted: at 12:15 am

iMessage is set to receive a substantial security upgrade as Apple plans to introduce a post-quantum cryptographic protocol called PQ3.

Those are some five-dollar words, but what do they mean? In a nutshell, PQ3 is a new type of encryption tech that can locally generate encryption keys for an iMessage text on an iPhone. The text is sent to Apple servers where a fresh key is made and sent back to the device. So if a hacker somehow gets their hands on one of these messages, they cant use its key to gain access to your conversation. The locks have been changed, so to speak. Thats the gist of PQ3. A post on Apples Security Research Blog goes into way more detail. For the sake of brevity, well keep things short. But the breakdown talks about the cryptography behind everything, how rekeying works, the padding process, as well as the extensive reviews done by cybersecurity experts.

The reason Apple is doing all this is to protect its service from future threats, namely sophisticated quantum [computing] attacks. Such attacks arent exactly widespread in 2024 as computers capable of bypassing modern high-end cryptography techniques dont exist yet. Security experts have sounded the alarm, warning companies around the world of an event known as "Q-Day". This is where a quantum computer powerful enough to crack through the internet's encryption systems and security is built. And Apple has decided to listen.

The average hacker probably wont have access to this type of technology, but it may be found in the hands of a foreign adversary. Apple is particularly worried about an attack scenario called Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (also known as Store Now, Decrypt Later) which sees hackers collect as much encrypted data as possible, then sit on this treasure trove of information until the day comes where quantum computers are strong enough to break through the protection.

Support for PQ3 is scheduled to launch with the public releases of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4. Apple is covering all of its bases here. The company claims the boosted protection is available right now on the current developer and beta builds, however, that may not be the case. We havent seen people talking about receiving PQ3 on social media or reports from other publications detailing their experiences apart from a brief mention by MacRumors. Its possible the patch could roll out to more people soon.

When PQ3 does officially launch, it could give iMessage a huge edge over other messaging platforms. Apple, in its blog post, boasts its service has Level 3 security because it has PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography) protection. To put that into perspective, WhatsApp is Level 1 as it has end-to-end encryption but is vulnerable to quantum computing attacks. Signal is Level 2 because it has PQC although it lacks the key refresh mentioned earlier. There are plans to further improve PQ3 by implementing something called PQC authentication.

We reached out to Apple asking what this means and when people can expect the release of PQ3. This story will be updated at a later time.

In the meantime, check out TechRadar's roundup of the best iPhone for 2024.

Apple future-proofing iMessage to protect against the scary future of quantum computing hacking - TechRadar

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Apple to upgrade iMessage with measures against future quantum computing hacking – The Indian Express

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Apple to upgrade iMessage with measures against future quantum computing hacking The Indian Express

Apple to upgrade iMessage with measures against future quantum computing hacking - The Indian Express

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FedDev Ontario invests $17 million in 12 companies to advance quantum computing – IT World Canada

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FedDev Ontario invests $17 million in 12 companies to advance quantum computing IT World Canada

Category Archives: Quantum Computing

Quantum Poker: The States of Colorado and Illinois are Betting on Quantum – Quantum Computing Report

One of those transformational investments: $15M brings quantum computing to SC – WIS News 10

Singapore warns banks to prepare for quantum computing cyber threat – Finextra

New Superconducting Flowermon Superconducting Qubit Designed to Greatly Increase Coherence Times – Quantum Computing Report

IONQ Stock Outlook: Why This Quantum Computing Play Could Be a Long-Term Winner – InvestorPlace

Apple future-proofing iMessage to protect against the scary future of quantum computing hacking – TechRadar

Apple to upgrade iMessage with measures against future quantum computing hacking – The Indian Express

FedDev Ontario invests $17 million in 12 companies to advance quantum computing – IT World Canada

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