The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (NQIAC) has recently emphasized the critical need for sustained investment and collaboration in quantum networking to enhance U.S. economic growth and bolster national security. As quantum technologies evolve, the potential applications of quantum networking, including quantum key distribution (QKD) and distributed quantum computing, are becoming increasingly significant. The report highlights that quantum networking could significantly improve technologies related to quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
To realize this potential, the NQIAC has outlined seven key recommendations for the U.S. government, which include continued support for research, strategic funding for testbeds, and fostering international collaboration. These recommendations aim to create a robust infrastructure that can facilitate sensitive transmission of quantum states and distribution of entanglement. The committee stresses that ongoing federal support is essential to maintain a competitive edge in the global quantum landscape.
In conjunction with these developments, Andersen Cheng, chairman and founder of Post-Quantum, has also raised alarms about the urgent need to quantum-proof critical infrastructure. He notes that the digital transformation of industries has heightened vulnerabilities, particularly due to the growing connectivity between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). National security agencies, including the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have warned about the threats posed by Russian-sponsored cyber groups, exemplified by the ransomware attack on Synnovis that impacted UK healthcare services.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified electricity generation and distribution as high-priority National Critical Functions that are particularly susceptible to quantum attacks. Experts predict that 'Q-Day', the day when quantum computers can effectively break current encryption standards, could occur within the next 5 to 15 years, necessitating an urgent migration to quantum-safe encryption methods. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has warned that a full transition to new cryptography could take up to 15 years, highlighting the need for new post-quantum cryptography algorithms.
To facilitate this transition, hybrid schemes may be required, allowing for a gradual shift to more secure systems. Significant investment and commitment from both governments and energy companies are essential to bolster defenses against these emerging threats, while organizations are encouraged to audit their current cryptographic practices and assign executive-level responsibility to oversee this critical transition. [226caa48][437487b4]