Qubits* regularly make headlines in technology-savvy media: Another quantum leap in the development of quantum computers, which might threaten the security of internet communications. How should we interpret this development?
Qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computing, are making waves in the tech world with their potential to revolutionize computational power. However, with this excitement comes also a growing concern about the impact on cybersecurity. In this article, we'll explore the current state of quantum computing, recent industry advancements, and the crucial need for cybersecurity measures to evolve accordingly.
IBM has achieved significant milestones in quantum computing since they started developing theoretical models 40 years ago. Eventually, computers will be able to efficiently process data according to the laws of quantum mechanics. With their 127-qubit chip 'Eagle' in 2021, the 433-qubit chip 'Ospray' in 2022, and the latest released 1121-qubit chip 'Condor', IBM’s researchers have impressively achieved their goal of doubling the number of qubits on their silicon every year. However, IBM currently has no plans for developing further chip generations, as the focus remains on stabilizing quantum states in the hardware and discovering efficient error correction methods to realize the dream of efficient quantum computer.
While researchers still face a herculean task on the hardware side, cryptographers have made significant progress in the development and standardization of algorithms and protocols for post-quantum cryptography, i.e. the remedy against the quantum threat. Authorities in the US and EU (particularly Germany) are also actively working on standardizing alternatives to replace the public-key algorithms threatened by a quantum computer.
Software developers and service providers are also preparing their products for the post-Quantum era. However, they are encountering difficulties due to the unique requirements of new public-key algorithms on computing power, data storage, and timing.
While qubits are not currently capable to superpose and entangle in large numbers, and mature products are not yet widely available in the market, companies might consider postponing the effort to upgrade authentication and encryption technologies to the future.
However, delaying the implementation of post-quantum security increases vulnerability to potential breaches. Proactively addressing these cybersecurity risks is crucial, as algorithms like RSA and ECDSA could unexpectedly be compromised even in the absence of quantum computer.
As quantum computing progresses, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly evident. It's crucial for organizations to stay ahead of the curve by embracing post-quantum cryptography and fortifying their IT security architectures. In the face of uncertainty, the mantra 'better be safe than sorry' rings truer than ever. Let’s navigate the quantum era with vigilance and readiness.
A qubit can store a single bit – the smallest possible unit of digital information – and is the fundamental building block of a future quantum computer. (University of Basel, https://www.unibas.ch/en/News-Events/Uni-Nova/Uni-Nova-130/Uni-Nova-130-Qubits-the-building-blocks-of-the-quantum-computer.html. 14.05.2024)
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