A Delicate Balancing Act: Quantum Computing and National Security
Quantum computing is one of the most groundbreaking technologies available right now, and is poised to reshape not just the way we use computers but our daily lives. With nations racing to be the first to truly harness the power of quantum computers, governments are in a delicate balancing act. They’re forced to balance the pursuit of scientific progress with the concerns surrounding national security. In this blog, I’ll explore the implications of quantum computing advancements and how they can impact global cybersecurity.
Quantum Computing Explained
Quantum computing is a huge step from traditional computing, as it uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations that, just a few years ago, would have been thought of as impossible. Classical computers use bits, represented as 0s or 1s, to process information. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use qubits, which can exist as 1s, 0s, or both of them at the same time. Since they can process data and run calculations simultaneously, quantum computers are exponentially more powerful than their more traditional counterparts.
Quantum’s Impact On Geopolitics
The race for quantum supremacy has become a bit of a geopolitical battleground over the past few years. Whichever country has the most powerful quantum computer will effectively have quantum supremacy, and countries have been investing heavily in research and development to try and gain a competitive edge. Nations understand that quantum computing can give them advantages in everything from cryptography and finance to medical research and even weather forecasting. Achieving quantum supremacy isn’t just a scientific milestone, but it’s vital for maintaining technological dominance.
China has emerged as one of the most formidable players in the quantum computing arena, and it has been investing significantly in quantum computing. In fact, the Chinese government has set aside around $15 billion to put towards quantum research. Quantum communication satellites and breakthroughs in quantum key distribution are just a few examples of China's progress. It launched its Micius satellite in 2016, and plans to launch more in the near future.
The United States is currently involved in a quantum race with China as it tries to achieve quantum supremacy. The National Quantum Initiative Act, which was passed in 2018, signifies the USA’s commitment to advancing quantum research and development. Both private companies and government agencies across the country are collaborating in this field, as they recognise its potential implications for national security.
It’s not just China and the US working on quantum computing, of course. European nations have been working collectively under the banner of the Quantum Technologies Flagship program, and pooling their resources to bolster quantum research and development. In the Middle East, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge - and Abu Dhabi has already built its own quantum computer. And last year, the UK announced that it would be investing £2.5 billion in a drive to advance quantum computing in the country.
National Security Concerns
As quantum computing inches closer to more widespread use and practical applications, national security concerns intensify. One of the foremost concerns around quantum computers is their potential threat to cryptographic systems. Many widely used encryption methods rely on the complexity of factoring large numbers, a task that, unfortunately, quantum computers excel at thanks to their ability to perform parallel computations. Quantum computers could - theoretically - break every existing encryption algorithm out there, which would pose a significant risk to classified communications and sensitive data.
To try and solve this problem, researchers are developing cryptographic algorithms that would remain secure even in the face of quantum attacks. Governments and organisations need to stay ahead of the curve, and are already transitioning to quantum-resistant encryption methods to safeguard their communications and data. Quantum computers could also enhance our cybersecurity with quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions. As nations invest in quantum computing, they’ve also been looking to develop quantum encryption solutions. The UK government has already been working closely with a quantum encryption firm, Arqit. Governments and businesses need to strike a balance of advancing quantum technology for defensive purposes while simultaneously fortifying their cyber defences against quantum threats.
Critical Vulnerabilities
It’s not just cryptography that we should be concerned about - the integration of quantum computing into our critical national infrastructure (CNI) raises a whole host of unique challenges and opportunities. Quantum computers have the potential to optimise complex systems, revolutionising fields such as logistics, transportation, and energy distribution. However, while this could solve a lot of problems, it could also introduce a new set of vulnerabilities.
CNI includes sectors like energy, telecommunications, and healthcare, and forms the backbone of every country. Quantum computing can enhance the efficiency of CNI by solving complex problems, but it also introduces risks, particularly when it comes to cybersecurity. As quantum computing evolves, the potential for adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems grows, meaning governments need to take a more proactive approach to security.
Governments and organisations alike need to first invest in quantum-safe infrastructure, developing resilient systems, and establishing robust cybersecurity measures now, before it's too late. As quantum technologies become more integrated into CNI, they’ll find themselves in a delicate balancing act that involves reaping the benefits of quantum advancements while also keeping a close eye on all of the associated risks to critical infrastructure.
Quantum computing, national security, and critical national infrastructure all pose a huge challenge for governments and organisations worldwide. As the race for quantum supremacy intensifies, the global community will need to try and put aside their differences and work together as we journey into the quantum future.