Quantum computing is set to transform the digital world, with a massive increase in performance impacting every private and public industry, from financial to pharmaceutical to aerospace. However, the problem that exists with every technological advancement is that it isn’t only the good guys that have access to it. Cybercriminals will also have access to the processing power of quantum computing and that will significantly change the cybersecurity landscape. Let’s take a look how, starting with a glimpse at what quantum computing is.
What Is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to improve processing speed. Quantum mechanics is the physics of how matter and energy behave at atomic and subatomic levels. Traditionally, computing has relied on binary code (binary bits), each of which has a value of 0 or 1, limiting a computer to doing one calculation at a time.
On the other hand, quantum computing uses quantum bits, also known as qubits. Qubits can have a value of 0 or 1, but it can also hold both values (be in both states) at the same time, which allows them to complete multiple calculations simultaneously. These qubits can also be linked together so that changes in one can affect another.
Quantum Computing and Encryption
One of the most effective tools at the disposal of cybersecurity teams is encryption. Encryption scrambles data so that it forms a secret code. When data is transmitted, it can be encrypted by the sender, then retrieved by the recipient, who has the encryption key.
Encryption is based on complex mathematics and the resulting encryption codes come in the form of very large numbers. Breaking this code, requires a computer to reduce each large number to its prime factors, which would take the even the most powerful of today’s computers many years to accomplish. However, quantum computing can do it quickly and easily, within mere hours—provided it is powerful enough.
At this point in time, the largest quantum computer is the IBM 53-qubit computer. It would take a 70-qubit computer to break the RSA encryption that is commonly used to encrypt data. You might think there’s nothing to worry about, but that level of quantum computing technology is only three to five years away.
Preparing to Face the Quantum Computing Threat
Adapting cybersecurity is about more than protecting data in storage and in transit. It’s also about protecting data for the long-term. Consider data that has to be kept for many years. It has to withstand future advances in technology to remain secure. Governments are already preparing for this, and it’s important that private organizations do the same.
The key is to begin the transition to quantum-level security now. One way you can do this is by leveraging the cybersecurity tools you have at your disposal now. These include:
- Network segmentation – Network segmentation is the division of a computer network into subsegments that are completely independent of one another, so if one is compromised, the others won’t be affected.
- Zero trust architectures – Zero trust is an approach to data security that strictly controls access to data using identity and access management (IAM) and using least privilege access.
You can also do the following to help prepare for quantum computing:
- Familiarize yourself with the data and cybersecurity standards that are relevant to quantum computing and be aware of changes as they arise. This includes NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardisation process.
- Conduct an audit or all data assets and determine where it is stored, how long it will be needed, what systems communicate with it, and who has access to it.
- Revise and update all policies, strategy roadmaps, and response plans to include threats that are related to quantum computing.
Remember, you will have the use of quantum computing too, which will help you protect your company from cybercriminals. There are quantum-based cybersecurity tools being developed that will provide stronger encryption capabilities to help protect against quantum-based cyberattacks.
The two most common methods that can be used in quantum-based cybersecurity include:
- Lattice-based cryptography – Depends on the difficulty of solving mathematical problems based on lattices.
- Code-based cryptography – Depends on the difficulty of decoding problems present in error-correcting codes.
Other methods include multivariate cryptography, hash-based cryptography, and isogeny-based cryptography. The key is to adopt this level of cybersecurity now, so you are adequately protected down the road.
The time to prepare for quantum computing threats is now. When advancements in the technology become viable, the change will happen suddenly, and you could be under attack before you realize it’s even possible. A cybersecurity partner can help you prepare for this inevitable future.
At Platinum Technologies, we offer a consulting and advisory service that will help you assess your current cybersecurity posture and ensure that it not only aligns with your business goals, but that you are taking advantage of all the tools available to you, including existing quantum-based tools that will help keep your data safe for years to come.
