9 min read · Jun 24, 2024
--
A vast amount of personal data is transmitted across optical fibers and internet cables. To keep that information private, these networks use encryption, a technique that uses mathematics to jumble data so that even very skilled computers cannot decode it. However, the arrival of quantum computers has challenged the mathematical foundation of these methods, which looked speculative until recently.
Scientists discovered in the 1990s that these computers could execute specific computations beyond conventional computers’ capabilities by taking advantage of the peculiar physics of the tiny world of atoms and electrons. This implies that the world’s secrets may be revealed if quantum computers are strong enough to break the mathematical padlocks protecting encrypted data.
While the quantum computers of today are far too small to circumvent the security mechanisms in place, as increasingly potent quantum computers are being released regularly by companies like Google and IBM, scientists, governments, and others are starting to pay notice. Experts are advising people to prepare for what some call the Year to Quantum (Y2Q) milestone. In that year, quantum computers can break through encryption to protect electronic communications.
Y2Q refers to the similarly notorious Y2K bug, which threatened to cause computer chaos in 2000 because software usually utilized only two digits. While Y2Q is a similar systemic problem, the comparison is unfair in many respects. Since computers are now even more deeply ingrained in society than twenty years ago, fixing Y2Q will require far more work than simply altering how dates are displayed. Besides, nobody can predict when Y2Q will arrive.
In response to the Y2Q threat, cryptography — the study and use of information-encoding methods — is transforming. To prepare for that unknowable date, scientists and mathematicians are working feverishly to develop new encryption techniques that will prevent quantum decoding of data. New standards for these post-quantum cryptography algorithms are to be released urgently in an endeavor led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, in the United States. In pursuit of the goal of connectivity that may be impervious to hacking, scientists worldwide are constructing networks that transfer quantum information across cities.
Now that you understand the basis of the potential threat quantum computing poses let’s dive deeper and learn more about quantum computing’s threat to encryption and how to mitigate it.
But first, we’d like to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of quantum computing.
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computational power and processing capabilities. It leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations far beyond the reach of classical computers.
Unlike classical bits, which exist in a state of 0 or 1, quantum bits, or qubits, can exist simultaneously in multiple states due to a superposition property. This allows quantum computers to process a vast number of possibilities concurrently. Entanglement is another cornerstone of quantum computing, where qubits interconnect so that the state of one qubit instantly influences the state of another, no matter the distance between them. This enables quantum computers to solve problems with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
Quantum computers utilize these principles to execute quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s algorithm for factoring large numbers and Grover’s algorithm for searching unsorted databases more efficiently. These capabilities have significant implications for cryptography, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Quantum computing is currently in a developmental phase, with notable milestones achieved by companies like IBM and Google.
Despite challenges like qubit stability and error rates, ongoing research and development are steadily advancing quantum technology, bringing us closer to realizing its full potential and transforming computational landscapes across various domains.
Quantum computing poses a significant threat to current encryption methods because it can perform calculations that are infeasible for classical computers. This threat arises from quantum algorithms that can efficiently solve problems fundamental to cryptographic security.
The foundation of encryption is mathematics. Two types of encryption systems are now in use: asymmetric and symmetric. These schemes encrypt computer data, share confidential information, verify the authenticity of websites, and demonstrate identity. These two groups employ various mathematical techniques, but both require “keys” — numbers only known by the sender or the intended recipient.
Symmetric Cryptography
Symmetric encryption is the less mathematical of the two; it uses a secret key to very precisely jumble a message. The message’s recipient then unscrambles it in precisely the opposite manner, using the same key.
Symmetric cryptography has drawbacks. Large volumes of data can be encrypted with it because it doesn’t require a lot of processing power. However, its drawback is that the sender and the recipient must already possess the same secret key in order to use it safely. Getting the shared key to the recipient while sending a message to them for the first time is a challenge in and of itself.
Asymmetric Cryptography
Asymmetric cryptography is a technique for creating secret keys rather than requiring them to function. A well-liked technique for asymmetric encryption is RSA. It yields a pair of keys, each of which can reverse the other’s action.
The most recent understanding of prime numbers among mathematicians states that while finding large prime numbers is simple, factoring the product of two huge prime numbers may be quite challenging. Prime numbers are the foundation of arithmetic, tying everything together and ensuring its security. Prime factors are so hard to compute that experts estimate it would take trillions of years for a current computer to break the typical 2,048-bit RSA encryption. This has given rise to continuous contests to break RSA encryption.
In the 1980s, quantum computing was fascinating science fiction for a while. The “quantum states” are sensitive and prone to mistakes, and worse, it appeared that there was no way to fix them without upsetting them.
However, in 1995, scientist Peter Shor demonstrated that actual quantum computations could be performed by correcting errors that would maintain quantum states. That was very intriguing news, especially in light of another 1994 piece that Shor had written. Shor presented a novel method of computing prime factors using quantum computers in “Algorithms for Quantum Computation: Discrete Logarithms and Factoring.” This method can reduce computation time from trillions of years to just eight hours.
That’s not good news for the asymmetric encryption techniques we have now. It turns out that all current asymmetric cryptography implementations, including RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and elliptic curve cryptography, are theoretically breakable by quantum computers. Interestingly, the less mathematical encryption approach, symmetric cryptography, is less susceptible. There is currently no mechanism that would be able to defeat symmetric encryption. Therefore, quantum computers are only computationally more powerful than ordinary computers for certain sorts of calculations, one of which happens to be calculations for discovering prime factors. The only way that quantum computing would impact symmetric cryptography is if a slightly bigger secret key were necessary.
Returning to the issue, the potential for quantum computing to break widely used encryption methods has profound implications. Sensitive data across various industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology, could be at risk if encrypted with vulnerable algorithms. This looming threat underscores the urgency for developing and transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, collectively known as post-quantum cryptography. Organizations and governments must begin preparing by investing in research, adopting quantum-safe encryption practices, and planning for a future where quantum computers can break current cryptographic standards. This proactive approach is essential to safeguard data privacy and security in the quantum era.
The development of cryptographic algorithms that are incomprehensible to both quantum and classical computers is referred to as post-quantum cryptography or quantum-resistant encryption. Quantum computers cannot currently solve traditional cryptographic methods because of their limited processing capability. Still, it is anticipated that in the future, quantum technology will advance to a point where it will allow for such computations.
Researchers studying post-quantum cryptography are drawn to Shor’s algorithm, particularly a quantum technique that finds the prime factors of an integer. When used by a large-scale quantum computer, this technique is thought to be able to breach conventional cryptographic systems. It is believed that asymmetric cryptography would be the most susceptible to quantum cryptographic attacks, whereas symmetric cryptographic algorithms would be the safest.
How Can You Mitigate the Quantum Threat?
Mitigating the quantum threat involves a proactive and strategic approach to transitioning from vulnerable cryptographic algorithms to quantum-resistant ones, ensuring that data remains secure despite advancing quantum computing capabilities.
Here are key strategies and solutions besides post-quantum cryptography:
- Hybrid Cryptography: Implementing hybrid cryptographic systems is a practical short-term solution. These systems use classical and quantum-resistant algorithms together, ensuring that the other remains secure even if one algorithm is compromised. This approach allows organizations to gradually transition to quantum-safe methods without abandoning their existing infrastructure entirely.
- Increased Key Sizes: Increasing key sizes can offer additional protection against quantum attacks for symmetric encryption algorithms like AES. Grover’s algorithm can theoretically reduce the effective key length by half, so doubling the key length can help maintain security. For instance, AES-256 instead of AES-128 can provide a buffer against quantum threats.
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): QKD is a method of securely distributing encryption keys using the principles of quantum mechanics. It ensures that any attempt to intercept the keys will be detected, providing an additional layer of security. While QKD is currently limited by practical challenges such as distance and infrastructure requirements, ongoing research, and technological advancements are making it more viable.
- Regular Risk Assessments and Updates: Organizations must continuously assess their cryptographic practices and update their security protocols to address emerging threats. This includes regularly reviewing and implementing the latest PQC algorithms and staying informed about advancements in quantum computing.
- Education and Training: It is crucial to ensure that cybersecurity professionals are well-informed about quantum threats and mitigation strategies. Ongoing education and training programs can help build a workforce capable of implementing and managing quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions.
Adopting these measures can help organizations effectively mitigate the quantum threat, ensuring their data remains secure even as quantum computing technology advances. This proactive approach is essential to maintaining trust and security in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Establishing trust is a crucial competitive differentiator when courting new SaaS businesses in today’s era of data breaches and compromised privacy. Customers and partners want assurances that their organizations are doing everything possible to prevent disclosing sensitive data and putting them at risk, and compliance certification fills that need.
Akitra offers an industry-leading, AI-powered Compliance Automation platform for SaaS companies. With its expertise in technology solutions and compliance, Akitra is well-positioned to assist companies in navigating the complexities of compliance and assisting in using automation tools to streamline compliance processes and put in best practices for cybersecurity posture. In addition, Akitra can provide invaluable guidance in implementing the frameworks and processes that prevent malicious agents from manipulating sensitive information.
Using automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring, together with a full suite of customizable policies and controls as a compliance foundation, our compliance automation platform and services help our customers become compliance-ready for security standards, such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 42001, NIST CSF, NIST 800–53, NIST 800–171, NIST 800–218, NIST AI RMF, FedRAMP, CCPA, CMMC, SOX ITGC, and more such as CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark, Australian ISM and Essential Eight etc. In addition, companies can use Akitra’s Risk Management product for overall risk management using quantitative methodologies such as Factorial Analysis of Information Risks (FAIR) and qualitative methods, including NIST-based for your company, Vulnerability Assessment and Pen Testing services, Third Party Vendor Risk Management, Trust Center, and AI-based Automated Questionnaire Response product to streamline and expedite security questionnaire response processes, delivering huge cost savings. Our compliance and security experts provide customized guidance to navigate the end-to-end compliance process confidently. Last but not least, we have also developed a resource hub called Akitra Academy which provides easy-to-learn short video courses on security, compliance, and related topics of immense significance for today’s fast-growing companies.
The benefits of our solution include enormous savings in time, human resources, and cost savings, including discounted audit fees with our audit firm partners. Customers can achieve compliance certification fast and cost-effectively, stay continuously compliant as they grow, and become certified under additional frameworks from our single compliance automation platform.
Build customer trust. Choose Akitra TODAY!
To book your FREE DEMO, contact us right here.
