Security Challenges Posed by Quantum Computing on Emerging Technologies

Quantum computing has quickly become at the vanguard of many computer science fields today. This is motivated by quantum computers ability to perform computational tasks with efficiencies that are not possible with classical computers. Quantum computing technology has a lasting potential impact on society and a broad implications on many aspects of our lives. Communications Industry Researchers (CIR) estimates that the global quantum-computing market is expected to reach $1.9 billion in 2023, increasing to $8 billion by 2027, in spending on associated software and services. Although quantum computing has several advantages, it threatens the current cryptographic techniques, which are necessary for today’s Internet standards like the Transport Layer Security (TLS). This is due to its ability to perform infinite complex computations in parallel. Therefore, it is expected that quantum computers will be able to solve the key distribution problem and break every single cryptography and authentication algorithm based on Asymmetric cryptography, such as: RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman.

New emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, autonomous vehicles, 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics all rely on cryptography for their secure operation. Although quantum computing supports technological evolution and growth, it will pose a threat to the current progress and future development of these technologies. Therefore, cryptography and authentication techniques need improvements as introducing quantum computing would put today’s cybersecurity in serious risk. NSA and NIST proposed solutions to tackle these challenges. However, these solutions are still immature as they need major upgrade of hardware implementation. Instead, the recommendations focus on what is called post-quantum, quantum-proof, quantum-safe or quantum-resistant cryptosystems. This talk outlines how the impact of quantum technologies on authentication, data exchange, and data storage, as well as areas where cryptography plays an essential role, such as: blockchain, 5G, IoT, and AI technologies. It investigate the possible impact of quantum technologies on these emerging technologies. Finally, it discusses some of the current quantum security solution that are devoted to protect the devices and systems in the quantum era, and mitigate quantum attacks.