TCSS Security Commentaries #040
Kamil Golemo PhD Candidate UMCS (Poland), research intern TSCC
Quantum advancements are redefining cybersecurity, enhancing defenses and also undermining traditional encryption. The shift to post-quantum cryptography is imperative to preemptively secure against quantum threats and to ensuring robust protection for sensitive data in an era of rapid technological evolution. This strategic transition is essential for maintaining cybersecurity resilience in the face of quantum computing’s potential to decrypt current systems.
The commitment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to becoming “quantum-ready” represents a significant advance in the realm of defense and security innovation. The alliance’s inaugural quantum strategy, ratified by NATO Foreign Ministers in late November, was summarized for public dissemination on January 17, 2024. Notably, six out of the 44 companies chosen for NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) specialize in quantum applications. It is anticipated that their cutting-edge contributions will advance next-generation cryptography, enhance satellite connectivity through high-speed lasers, and pioneer quantum-augmented 3-D imaging sensors for complex undersea operations.
The advent of quantum technology represents a revolutionary shift in the landscape of science and technology, with profound implications for economic systems, national security, and defense. These advanced technologies are poised to transform numerous sectors, including sensing, imaging, precision positioning, navigation, timing, communications, computing, and information sciences in general. Their transformative and potentially disruptive capabilities may challenge strategic deterrence and defense mechanisms. Consequently, they represent a pivotal element in the context of strategic competition. In response, NATO and its member states are dedicated to fostering a robust, secure, and evolving quantum ecosystem, capable of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in quantum technology. The commitment to becoming quantum-ready serves to illustrate the strategic importance placed on these technologies and the collective effort to maintain a competitive edge in this emerging field.
NATO is undertaking a transformative initiative to harness the potential of quantum technologies. The comprehensive strategy encompasses the identification of pivotal military and dual-use quantum applications that align with defense planning and capability enhancement. Collaborative endeavors among allies are crucial for the advancement of quantum technologies, fostering a unified front to preserve NATO’s edge in this high-stakes domain. The alliance is also focused on gaining a thorough understanding of quantum technologies and their potential synergy with other emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), which is vital for the integration of these advanced systems into defense mechanisms.
The rapid evolution of quantum technology necessitates a continuous revision and implementation of NATO’s quantum strategies, policies, and action plans. This flexible approach allows for the timely adjustment to novel developments and the mitigation of potential risks arising from adversarial investments and disruptions within the quantum ecosystem.
NATO acknowledges the pivotal role of highly skilled professionals in the advancement of quantum technology, a key factor for the Alliance’s development in this domain. As quantum technology progresses, the demand for experts with advanced degrees in this field grows correspondingly. The readiness of the Alliance for quantum advancements not only requires enhanced cooperation between member staties but also a robust quantum ecosystem that is sustained by more than financial investment.
The effective growth and assimilation of quantum technologies are contingent upon the presence of enabling technologies and the fluid incorporation of novel scientific breakthroughs into engineering methodologies. These technologies, including quantum computing, rely extensively on enabling technologies such as accurate measurement instruments, secure and specialized production processes, and low-temperature physics. The vanguard of the defense industry and its users play a pivotal role in transforming prospective quantum technology applications into widespread operational capabilities. NATO is well-positioned to leverage the prospects offered by emerging disruptive technologies through partnerships with the industrial sector, governmental bodies, and end users.
The advent of quantum technologies has ushered in a new era of cybersecurity and defense, presenting both opportunities and challenges. These advanced technologies hold the potential to enhance the defensive mechanisms of both the private and public sectors within the Alliance, offering rapid and reliable safeguards. However, the rise of quantum computing poses a significant threat to conventional cryptographic systems, potentially rendering them ineffective. In response, the implementation of post-quantum cryptography has become an essential tactic to shield against quantum-powered attacks. Future developments are expected to introduce quantum key distribution, which promises to further strengthen the integrity of secure communications. The collaborative efforts within NATO’s various committees and entities are instrumental in the collective development and deployment of post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution, thereby fortifying the quantum resilience of shared networks. NATO’s commitment to pioneering research and transitioning towards quantum-secure communication is comprehensive, encompassing a range of strategic domains, including air, space, cyber, land, and maritime security.
Kamil Golemo is a 2nd year PhD Candidate at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie University (Poland) and research intern at the Taiwan Center for Security Studies. He is a fellow of the project entitled “UMCS Doctoral Schools – Your Success in Globalized World of Science” within the STER Programme Internationalization of Doctoral Schools created by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange.
Taiwan Center for Security Studies 