US takes lead in quantum security, set to unveil new cryptography standards

However, the same technology also has the potential to change the world of cryptography. Individuals, organizations, and countries can use quantum computing to destroy the digital infrastructure of their rivals. This is why many experts strongly believe that countries with the best quantum technologies will be better positioned to dominate the next century.

“On the positive side, quantum computers could lead to the development of new drugs to combat cancer. On the negative side, however, they can break the encryption we use multiple times per day for everything from sending texts to financial transactions,” Brandon K. Williams, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Security Research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, told Time Magazine.

Traditional cryptography won’t work against quantum threats 

Traditional cryptography uses complex mathematical algorithms to secure information. Even the most advanced supercomputers we have today would take years to break these encryptions.

However, “Quantum computers use a different computing architecture that can solve certain types of problems much faster than classical computers, including the mathematical problems used in some encryption methods,” Markus Pflitsch, a quantum physicist and founder of Terra Quantum, told Forbes. 

They can perform parallel calculations and deduce multiple possibilities at once, making them significantly faster than classical computers in overcoming cryptography.

For instance, a modern-day supercomputer would take thousands of years to break a standard 2048-bit RSA encryption which is commonly used to protect sensitive data ranging from digital signatures to banking transactions. Whereas a quantum computer can complete the task in just eight hours. 

Therefore, “Quantum computers powerful enough to break today’s encryption methods pose a serious threat to personal and professional information, from trade secrets to national security files and military plans,” Pflitsch added.

PQC standards hold great importance  

Establishing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards is crucial to protect data against future quantum cybersecurity threats. Currently, the US and China are competing neck and neck to develop the most advanced quantum computing technology. 

However, this quantum race between the two superpowers isn’t limited to technological rivalry.  According to the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, “China remains the most active and persistent cyber threat to US Government, private sector, and critical infrastructure networks.” 

Some reports suggest that China has invested over $15 billion in quantum computing research. This is more than five times the money the US has allocated. It is quite clear that China aims to become the leader in the quantum space.

However, “The consequences of Chinese superiority in this realm would be seismic. The US’s foremost adversary would then be able to crack the encryption Americans use every day for secure internet traffic and messaging, and which the US government and its allies use to protect secret communications,” Williams said.

Therefore, it is critical for the US to stay ahead in the quantum race and set systems and standards in place that could defend it against any quantum cybersecurity threats.

“You can think of the NIST standardization as basically the starting gun, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” said Scott Crowder, vice president for IBM Quantum Adoption and Business Development.