Identifying and minimising the risks posed by quantum technology

[Caute_cautim]

Hi All

Given the recent postings on Quantum Computing and Quantum Safe, I found these reports, which I think many will find useful.   It comes from the UK Finance Organisation:

https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/policy-and-guidance/reports-and-publications/identifying-and-minimising...

Prepare now people.   It is an opportunity.

Regards

Caute_Cautim

[JoePete]

It's fascinating with the parallels being drawn to Y2K*. At least in that situation, we had a firm deadline, but with "Q Day," it's a more drawn-out and vague schedule. That reality is going to challenge the transition to quantum safe cryptography. 

*Y2K required the updating of software to accommodate 4-digit years (i.e. 1999) rather than just two (i.e. 99) before the possibility a massive systems crash on Jan. 1, 2000. As a colleague of mine pointed out at the time, calling the situation "Y2K" kind of proved that the lesson didn't really sink in.

[Early_Adopter]

Remember to keep OpenSSL up to the latest…

[ericgeater]

So, what do y'all think is the timeline to see cryptographically relevant quantum computers (or CRQCs) in the hands of bad actors?  I'm assuming that companies like ColdQuanta and Pasqal (which were listed in the PDF) will probably use a cloud model (QCaaS, perhaps?) and let people go hog wild like ChatGPT did.

[Early_Adopter]

@ericgeater I think it’s hard to say, but it certainly possible that one or more state actors have capability(we know widespread use of malware implants obviate the need for quantum cryptanalysis anyway).

Distributed compute is good - but it’s always possible we get new types of computer. Better Q-Bits or other novel approaches.

Let’s face it, threat wise you build a box that has something “as to God” about it - is the best, riskiest most dangerous/useful application to break confidentiality in mass market communications? If someone with bad intentions builds a real useful general quantum machine we might swiftly find other things to worry about… 😛