Quantum computers are currently in a transition phase from experimental research to the first practical applications. Quantum computing is intended to increase IT security, but it also brings new threats to cybersecurity. Quantum computers based on quantum bits (qubits) are being developed by leading technology companies and research institutions.
You can process multiple states at the same time. The current state of quantum technology shows that significant progress in stability and error correction is still required.
What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to significantly reduce the time it takes to process data and perform mathematical functions. The algorithms used can break classic encryption. Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field.
Quantum computing represents a significant leap in computing capabilities. Because of their unprecedented processing speed, quantum computers can solve mathematical problems much faster. Conventional encryption methods become obsolete. This represents a vulnerability as it threatens the integrity of sensitive data, secure communications and critical infrastructure.
To mitigate risks, organizations must adopt proactive methods.
Current systems, such as those already released by Rigetti, IBM or Google, are still error-prone and have a limited number of qubits. There is already great potential in materials research, the optimization of complex processes and cryptography. However, the systems must be even more stable and powerful.
In order for quantum computers to be used more widely, scaling and error correction are important.
Quantum computers and their unique capabilities
Quantum computers can solve mathematical problems significantly faster than classical computers and will surpass them in breaking encryption keys in the next decade.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) estimates that quantum computers will be able to break current encryption methods within a decade. This threatens the security of financial institutions and other institutions when handling sensitive data.
Classic computers use bits, i.e. 0 or 1, to process information. In the qubits used by quantum computers, the bits exist in several states at the same time and can be entangled with one another. This allows quantum computers to easily carry out complex calculations.
Potential data breaches and business disruptions can be caused by the ability of quantum computers to break traditional encryption.
Cybersecurity Threats from Quantum Computing
Researchers assume four forms of threat to cybersecurity from quantum computers:
- Collection of data and later decryption: Quantum computers collect encrypted data to make current cryptographic defenses obsolete as future advances occur. This enables subsequent decryption and provides threat actors with access to critical and sensitive information. To avoid this, quantum-safe algorithms must be introduced.
- Cryptographic vulnerability: Cryptographic methods for data security can be broken by quantum computers. Since the factorization of large numbers is faster than can be done with classic algorithms, the public key infrastructure becomes vulnerable. This infrastructure is the basis for authentication mechanisms and secure communication.
- Advanced quantum malware: Advanced quantum capabilities combined with AI are enabling threat actors to develop new forms of malware. This makes multi-front attacks possible.
- Exponential Speed Attack: Quantum computers can use certain algorithms to perform search and pattern recognition processes faster than classical computers. The time for brute force attacks on symmetric encryption is significantly reduced.
Threat to corporate security from quantum computers
Quantum computers pose a threat to corporate security. To continue to ensure security, companies must overcome various challenges:
- Compromising data integrity to avoid forging digital signatures and forged documents containing unauthorized transactions
- Breaking asymmetric encryption to prevent undermining public-key cryptosystems that are fundamental to secure communications
- Vulnerability of the blockchain, as many blockchain technologies are based on traditional cryptographic algorithms and cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based applications can be destabilized
- Decryption of sensitive data by malicious actors, posing a threat to long-term data confidentiality
- IoT device security risks, as IoT devices often use lightweight encryption that is not safe from quantum attacks
- Disrupting critical infrastructures that rely on existing cryptographic standards that have significant vulnerabilities
Cryptographic algorithms that were considered secure for decades can be compromised by quantum technology. However, quantum technology can also be an opportunity for companies to build a stronger and more resilient infrastructure.
Challenges in migrating quantum computers
The lack of transparency about cryptographic assets is a barrier to migrating quantum computers and preparing for post-quantum cryptography. Companies must create a complete inventory of their cryptographic assets, which include certificates, keys, algorithms and secrets.
A clear overview is essential for the transition to a quantum secure infrastructure. Equally important is the ability to have crypto agility to flexibly replace encryption technologies. The system infrastructure should not have to be fundamentally changed.
