{"id":35961,"date":"2023-08-10T14:22:01","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T13:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=35961"},"modified":"2024-09-04T20:18:10","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T19:18:10","slug":"preparing-for-the-rise-of-quantum-computing-in-identity-and-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/preparing-for-the-rise-of-quantum-computing-in-identity-and-cybersecurity\/35961\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for the rise of quantum computing in identity and cybersecurity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jeff Margolies, Chief Strategy Officer at Saviynt, outlines how organisations and governments are preparing for the revolutionary rise of quantum computing.<\/h2>\n

Earlier this year, in his Spring Statement speech, the chancellor announced the UK Government\u2019s new National Quantum Strategy<\/a>, an ambitious ten-year strategy backed by \u00a32.5bn of public funding to support the rise of quantum computing in the UK.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t the government\u2019s only commitment to quantum innovation. It has also created the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which has a mission to support the country\u2019s ambition to be the most innovative economy in the world and a science and technology superpower<\/a>. Quantum technology is essential for this mission, not only as one of the five leading future technologies \u2013 quantum computing, AI, engineering biology, semiconductors, and future telecoms \u2013 but also because it will enable every other technology on the list to reach its full potential.<\/p>\n

\"An,Advanced,Cpu,Printed,With,A,Flag,Of,Uk,rise,of,quantum,computing\"
\u00a9 shutterstock\/Dragon Claws<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quantum computing is still in its early stages of maturity, with some experts predicting it will take more than a decade for quantum computers to run fault-free. Nevertheless, organisations are starting to take quantum computing seriously; indeed, IBM alone has deployed more than 60 quantum computers, enabling Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, academic institutions and research labs to explore practical applications.<\/p>\n

This new era of computing will be transformative<\/a> to many of these organisations. However, with every new technological advancement, it is vital that they also identify and mitigate all potential security risks.<\/p>\n

Advantages of the rise of quantum computing<\/h3>\n

Quantum computing is inherently different from traditional computing, using an entirely new approach to calculation, based on principles of fundamental physics, to solve extremely complex problems very quickly. This quantum speed is expected to boost productivity and reduce costs in scientific research, engineering, finance, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. At the same time, supply chains and transportation networks are also predicted to benefit.<\/p>\n

But while the rise of quantum computing will pave the way to discoveries and innovations, it will likely generate many new security risks. It\u2019s hard to predict exactly what these threats will look like, as that will depend on how the technology develops. Nevertheless, organisations using or considering quantum must be cognisant of the potential threats and introduce new strategies to bolster their cyber defences.<\/p>\n

Identity and security risks in the quantum realm<\/h3>\n

The speed at which quantum computers can make calculations could shorten the time required to break encryption keys. This will risk sensitive data, including financial records, intellectual property or even state secrets. Worse still, if quantum computers can break most of the encryption methods commonly used today, they could lose trust in digital systems and services altogether.<\/p>\n

Threat actors will likely utilise the rise of quantum computing to target systems like encryption and to launch more fine-grained attacks targeted at particular users or machines. This means identity-based security will be vital for organisations across all sectors.<\/p>\n

With many identity systems relying on cryptographic techniques to protect data and authenticate users, the main challenge for identity solutions will be mitigating the risk posed by cryptographic vulnerabilities. As quantum computing gets more powerful, the likelihood of breaking the cryptographic methods will increase, compromising the security of identity systems.<\/p>\n

\"Hacker,Symbol,With,Digital,Binary,Code,,Chain,Of,Fire.Cybersecurity,Threat\"
\u00a9 shutterstock\/Jaiz Anuar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another great risk is the potential of quantum to dramatically improve biometric spoofing techniques, which could be used to bypass verification systems. Attackers could conceivably create synthetic biometric data that is indistinguishable from real people’s data, granting them access to protected systems and datasets.<\/p>\n

Preparing for the quantum future<\/h3>\n

While the rise of quantum computing is still in its early stages, and the associated risks are still to be defined, organisations should pay close attention to government and regulatory guidance.<\/p>\n

Although there\u2019s no legislation currently in place, the UK\u2019s National\u00a0 Quantum Strategy states that the National Protective Security Agency (NPSA)<\/a> and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)<\/a> will develop and introduce digital and physical security measures that protect assets and support growth.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US started a process to standardise quantum-safe algorithms for key agreement and digital signatures in 2016 and has narrowed down a field of candidate algorithms, with draft standards expected in 2024.<\/p>\n

According to NCSC<\/a>, this extended period allows for thorough public scrutiny of the various proposals, while some experts argue it provides more time to close some of the gaps in the NIST guidance. These gaps are related to:<\/p>\n