{"id":25278,"date":"2023-09-10T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-10T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.mi.hdm-stuttgart.de\/?p=25278"},"modified":"2024-09-05T23:05:46","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T21:05:46","slug":"the-impact-of-quantum-computing-on-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mi.hdm-stuttgart.de\/index.php\/2023\/09\/10\/the-impact-of-quantum-computing-on-cybersecurity\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Quantum Computing on Cybersecurity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Before quantum technologies, there was darkness \u2013 now, there is light. Small quantums with huge amounts of processing power. It seems like the future has arrived: Welcome to the second quantum revolution!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The interdisciplinary field of quantum computing surely is amongst the hot topics of scientific research at the moment. Initiatives rise, groups are formed, standards are built \u2013 a lot of money is being invested. But where does the idea of using quantums for computing come from? Why should computer scientists be interested? And what impact does it have on our understanding of Cybersecurity? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Second Quantum Revolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over 40 years ago, It was proposed by Richard Feynman in one of his famous talks in 1981 (\u2018Simulating physics with computers\u2019) that quantum physics may be ‘the way’ to build a very powerful computer. This computer could be used to simulate quantum systems which are too hard to simulate with conventional computers. [1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why simulate quantum systems you ask? Because their properties are unique and can be used for specific problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having this perspective on computing with quantum mechanics, Feynman is remembered for launching <\/strong>Quantum Computing<\/em> as a field of study. Exploring the possibilities of quantum technologies in a wide range of applications is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. This is why the second quantum revolution<\/a> seemingly has begun. [2] <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking back, the first revolution<\/em> in quantum physics enabled inventions like lasers and transistors, which are the basic building blocks of computers and all technology we are using today. [2] <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second quantum revolution<\/em> is about controlling individual quantum systems, where in example charged molecules belong to. Using quantum logic, highly complex systems can be built and \u2013 with the power of engineering \u2013 used to serve applications. The combination of quantum physics and computing theory is thereby also known as quantum information<\/em>. [2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Quantum<\/a>
Picture 1 | Quantum Technologies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quantum Technologies are more than just Quantum Computers. They have an influence on research in many fields from health to high-energy physics. But as they are indeed most interesting for Cybersecurity, let\u2019s keep the focus on them. [3]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Basic Rules of Quantum Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without the understanding of some physics, you can\u2019t wrap your head around quantum computers. Computer Scientists therefore need to learn physics as well for this technology. So let\u2019s set the basics in order to understand what makes them so powerful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As already described quantum systems have unique properties due to quantum mechanics. What seems like a mystery in behavior, nowadays can be described with the help of physics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main rules for quantum systems. [1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. It can be in multiple states simultaneously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. It only works, when you don’t look.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This is what makes quantum technologies super fascinating. As described in the particle-wave dualism or with Schr\u00f6dingers cat, we can assume a system in multiple probable states. Therefore you can only derive results when looking at multiple results, because quantums have their own movements and behave differently each test. This works through statistical methods on a high scale. [3,4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The highly statistical and therefore mathematical approach makes Quantum Computing drawn to the engineering field, physics and computer science. [3] <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alright. Small physics lesson done. Back to the computing aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How does a Quantum Computer work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In classical computing, simple operations are made by addressing the block of bits<\/em>. Having the state 0 or 1, the operations take place via simple electrical fields. The bits are joined together by logical gates such as AND, OR and NOT. [4,5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Computing with quantums is different. The quantum computer works with quantum bits, the so-called qubits<\/em>. Qubits can also have a value of either 0 or 1. So far so good, this is what we know already. But they can also represent both 0 and 1 at the same time. Why is that? [4,5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Difference<\/a>
    Picture 2 | Difference between Bit and Qubit, adapted by [18]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Physics kicks in again with the main two principles of quantum mechanics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Superposition<\/strong>: Famously introduced with the double-slit experiment, a particle such as an electron or photon can be in different states simultaneously. Known as \u2018superposition\u2019, this means that qubits can represent both 1 and 0 at the same time (i.e. 0, 1 and 10). Quantum computers use this characteristic by processing the states as possibilities of results, exploring multiple solutions to a problem simultaneously.  This means that the software developer can take both cases (1 and 0) simultaneously, making a quantum computer faster than the classical one. [4,5]
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Entanglement<\/strong>: Quantums seem to be connected with some force, no matter how far apart they may be. Changing one state instantly affects the other. This principle known as \u2018entanglement\u2019 was proposed by Albert Einstein in 1945. It can be compared to a wire connection without any wires. If one quantum moves, the other one moves. This means that information can be encoded and manipulated in different ways, that would have been to unsolvable with classical bits. In reverse a new way of proramming is needed, presented in the form of a Hamiltonian. [5,6]<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"Multiple<\/a>
      Picture 3 | Multiple States of a Qubit, adapted by [19]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Adding qubits, the possibilities of computing power increases exponentially instead of linearly (i.e. N qubits = 2N<\/sup> bits). They can theoretically compute faster than any classical supercomputer already built (>100 qubits == supercomputer). Let\u2019s talk numbers. The current record of qubits, in August 2023, is held by IBM with the quantum processor \u201cEagle\u201d with 433 qubits. The aim for IBM currently is a quantum computer with 100,000 qubits. [7,8]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n

      \u201cQuantum computing is a rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n– IBM [9]<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      The Perfect Environment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Handling the fine states of a qubit is a challenge. They are extremely sensitive to any form of disturbance such as light, heat or radiation inside the quantum computer. And the qubits as well interact with each other, making their manipulation extremely difficult. In order for the quantum system to work correctly, different measures need to be applied. [4,5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Note: Different conditions apply to Photonic Quantum Computers. They are based on a photonic approach without the need of superconducting materials. They will not be discussed within this blog entry.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To be able to manipulate the qubits, they need to be trapped in a high-vacuum chamber <\/strong>at a temperature near absolute zero<\/strong>. Only this way, electrical and magnetical fields work at their best. And we need the quantums themselves to be trapped inside the chamber, with different laser beams to change the particles into qubits, setting them in superposition and entanglement state. Attention please: The more qubits, the more noise of atom entanglement! It\u2019s not that easy. [4,5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Liquid<\/a>
      Picture 4 | Liquid Helium Dewars for Physical Cooling, Picture by Nadine Weber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      The stability of the qubits can only be achieved by \u2018cooling down\u2019 the atoms with physical and laser cooling. Physically cooling<\/strong> down magnets is extremely important for the characteristic of superconductivity. When cooled down, certain materials conduct electricity without energy loss (which basically means they are non-resistant). [4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Laser Cooling<\/strong> is a concept of slowing down atoms to stabilize them. \u2018Cooling\u2019 refers to the process of slowing down a large amount of atoms, which will have an associated temperature that gets reduced. [10]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This is just a small insight in what it takes to built a quantum computer. You can imagine that there is a lot more precision and expertise needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      State of Research<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Just thinking about the electrical and material costs, internal and external factors that are invested in the construction of a quantum computer might lead to the fact that quantum computers are far away<\/em> from being a personal computer. Billions of dollars are need for such a system. Huge computing power – but at what cost?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      the need for superconducting materials. Therefore initiatives in collaboration between industry and research institutions arise for future innovations. Organizations like IBM, Google, Microsoft, and academic institutions are at the forefront of quantum computing research and often publish their latest breakthroughs. Small breakthroughs thereby accumulate and add to the \u2018Second Revolution\u2019 of Quantum Computing and its usage for real life applications. [6]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      With this basic understanding of quantum computers, let\u2019s have a look at what it means for the world of cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Being Quantum-Safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      With the release of massive computing power through quantum computers, conventional cryptography protecting our systems is in danger. The RSA-Cryptosystem, the Diffie-Hellman key exchange or the algorithm of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) will be broken, because the underlying security lays in the way that discrete algorithms such as linear factorization cannot be solved in polynomial time. Quantum Computers could easily solve that. [4,11]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Asymmetric cryptography, which we are using on a daily basis, is threatened by quantum computers. This is why they are a threat to convential cybersecurity. Maybe a diversification of our understanding of cybersecurity is needed. It definitely requires a change of encryption. [12]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n

      \u201cThe quantum security market was valued at just under 500 million U.S. dollars in 2022, with forecasts suggesting that this is likely to rise to 9.8 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. The majority of quantum security revenue is generated by the post quantum security or cryptography (PQC) method”<\/em><\/p>\n– Statista [13]<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      Knowing about the power of quantum computers, Peter Shor proposed a quantum algorithm in 1994, which will break regular encryption. The challenge of developing quantum-safe encryption algorithms is currently faced by the new field of Post-Quantum Cryptography<\/strong> research. [8]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In the following blog article, you can find more information on Quantum and Post-Quantum Cryptography<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      Quantum and Post-Quantum Cryptography<\/a><\/blockquote>