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Rigetti Computing, Inc.

Fourth Generation Ankaa-1 Chip Demonstrates Median 2-Qubit Gate Fidelity and Gate Speed Improvements Superior to Aspen M-3

BERKELEY, Calif., May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (Rigetti or the Company), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

First Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $2.2 million, compared to $2.1 million in the same period of 2022.

Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $23.7 million, compared to $27.0 million in the same period of 2022.

Operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $22.0 million, compared to $25.3 million in the same period of 2022.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $23.4 million or $0.19 per share, compared to $17.6 million or $0.33 per share in the same period of 2022.

As of March 31, 2023, cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities totaled $122.0 million.

Im pleased to report that we believe we are on track and progressing toward the nearer-term strategic priorities and technology roadmap we announced in February 2023. Following the implementation of our updated business strategy we announced in February 2023, which is designed to improve our focus, operating efficiency and preserve cash resources, we are starting to see positive impacts, said Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti Chief Executive Officer.

Technology Highlights

The Companys next generation 84-qubit (Ankaa-1) system, which is built using new architecture of a square lattice and tunable couplers was deployed internally within the Company for testing in March 2023, is achieving 96-97% median 2-qubit fidelity and 65-70 nanosecond gate speeds based on the Companys internal testing. The Companys prior generation 80-qubit Aspen M-3 system achieved 94-95% median 2-qubit fidelity and 185-190 nanosecond gate speeds.

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We believe these metrics demonstrate the superior performance of Ankaa-1 as compared to Aspen M-3 and confirm our belief that the chip used in the Ankaa-1 system is a leap forward in architectural design, said Dr. Kulkarni.

As previously disclosed, the Company currently anticipates launching Ankaa-1 to select customers in mid-2023, as we continue to work to improve Ankaa-1 performance with the goal of reaching median 2-qubit fidelity of 98% to support the anticipated Ankaa-2 84-qubit system. The Companys Ankaa-2 84-qubit system, with anticipated improvements in design and performance, is expected to be deployed and made available to external customers in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company remains committed to working to achieve 2-qubit fidelity of 99% with the anticipated Ankaa-2, which we expect to be achieved in 2024, and development of the 336-qubit Lyra system thereafter.

Rigetti recently released the results of application and development work that demonstrates the progress the Company is making towards improving its hardware and software capabilities, which we believe reflects advancement towards potentially achieving narrow quantum advantage. Using quantum-inspired classical simulations, we were able to demonstrate the computational power of quantum methods compared to the classic alternatives.

Recession forecasting with Moodys and Imperial College London: At the Quantum Tech conference in April, Rigetti presented the results of new application work undertaken by Rigetti that illustrates a novel approach to addressing the problem of forecasting recessions using cutting edge machine learning techniques that combine classical signature kernel methods with quantum-enhanced data transformations. By using noiseless quantum simulation, we demonstrate that the quantum-enhanced version of our model outperforms the classical version as well as standard models used for this class of problems in accurately predicting a recession.

A new quantum algorithm for solving optimization problems with NASA: As part of Rigettis ongoing DARPA project we released a manuscript that presents a new quantum algorithm that provides performance assurances even with noise and outperforms several classical and quantum approaches for solving the same problems.

Outlook

At our current stage of development, we believe that executing toward our roadmap and achieving our technology milestones are key to fueling our goal of achieving quantum advantage. We remain focused on meeting our objectives, said Dr. Kulkarni.

Based on its current operating plan, Rigetti expects to have cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities of between $65-$75 million at the end of 2023. At this time, based on its current operating plan, Rigetti anticipates that it will need to raise additional funding by late 2024 or early 2025 to continue its research and development efforts and achieve its business objectives. This estimate reflects Rigettis current business plan that is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and Rigetti could use its available capital resources sooner than it currently expects.

Conference Call and Webcast

Rigetti will host a conference call later today at 5:00 p.m. ET, or 2:00 p.m. PT, to discuss its first quarter 2023 financial results.

You can listen to a live audio webcast of the conference call at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/tuef4569or the "Events & Presentations" section of the Company's Investor Relations website athttps://investors.rigetti.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available at the same locations following the conclusion of the call for one year.

To participate in the live call, you must register using the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIdb44624a57824563b38c0a1afe3736a1.Once registered, you will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. When you dial in, you will input your PIN and be routed into the call. If you register and forget your PIN, or lose the registration confirmation email, simply re-register to receive a new PIN.

About Rigetti

Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The Companys proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industrys first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industrys first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more atwww.rigetti.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to the Companys updated business plan, including with respect to its objectives and its technology roadmap, including its ability to achieve milestones including with respect to the Ankaa 84-qubit system and the achievement of target gate fidelities, including at least median 2-qubit fidelity of 98% on Ankaa-1 and at least 99% median 2-qubit gate fidelity on the anticipated Ankaa-2 on the anticipated timing or at all; the Companys expectations with respect to the timing of next generation systems; the Companys ability to scale to develop the Lyra 336-qubit system and develop practical applications on the anticipated timing or at all; the Companys expectations with respect to the anticipated stages of quantum technology maturation, including its ability to develop a quantum computer that is able to solve a practical, operationally relevant problem significantly better, faster, or cheaper than a current classical solution and achieve narrow quantum advantage on the anticipated timing or at all; the Company's expectations with respect to the reduction in force, including anticipated benefits including anticipated reduction of operating expenses, anticipated preservation of available cash resources and anticipated expenses and charges associated with the reduction in force; the Companys development activities and the ability of technology to solve problems; expectations regarding cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2023 and the time by which the Company expects it will need to raise additional funding, including expectations with respect to capital expenditures; expectations with respect to management transitions; expectations with respect to the potential of the Company, including the potential for the Company to contribute value; and the potential of quantum computing. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Companys ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap, help unlock quantum computing, and develop practical applications; the ability of the Company to obtain government contractors successfully and in a timely manner; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts and the availability of government funding; the ability of the Company to expand its QCaaS business; the success of the Companys partnerships and collaborations; the Companys ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination with Supernova, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Companys estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in whichthe Company competes; the ability of the Company to execute on its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives, expansion plans and continue to innovate its existing services; the expected use of proceeds from the Companys past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Companys cash resources; macroeconomic conditions, including unfavorable conditions in the Companys industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including financial and credit market fluctuations and uncertainty, rising inflation and interest rates, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in banking systems, increased costs, international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare (such as the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions against Russia), and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Companys future filings with the SEC, including the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

ContactsRigetti Computing Investor Contact:IR@Rigetti.com

Rigetti Computing Media Contact:press@rigetti.com

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSRIGETTI COMPUTING, INC. (Unaudited)

March 31,

December 31,

(In thousands, except share information)

2023

2022

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

26,117

$

57,888

Available-for-sale investments

95,849

84,923

Accounts receivable

5,320

6,235

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,756

2,450

Forward contract - assets

1,129

2,229

Deferred offering costs

94

742

Total current assets

130,265

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Rigetti Computing Reports First Quarter 2023 Results - Yahoo Finance

An IBM quantum computer that uses superconducting qubits

IBM

For the first time, asuperconducting circuit has passed a Bell test, the premier test in physics to confirm a systems quantum behaviour. These circuits are used in quantum computers, and this test proves that their quantum bits are truly entangled.

When two particles are entangled, measuring the characteristics of one instantly affects the measured characteristics of the other in what is called a non-local correlation. When this happens, it means the effects of the entanglement must travel faster than light. The test for this strange quantum effect is called Bells inequality, which sets a limit on how often particles can end up in the same state by chance without the presence of actual entanglement. Violating Bells inequality is proof that a pair of particles are, in fact, entangled.

Bell tests have been performed in many systems, but never on a superconducting circuit. For the test, the two entangled systems have to be far enough apart that a signal could not have travelled between them at the speed of light in the time it takes to measure both systems. This is difficult to test in a superconducting circuit, because the whole thing has to be kept at temperatures close to absolute zero. For the first time, Simon Storz at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and his colleagues have managed to perform a Bell test on such a circuit.

They connected the two entangled parts of the circuit, called quantum bits or qubits, using microwaves sent through a chilled 30-metre-long aluminium tube, while keeping each qubit in its own individual refrigerator. They then used a random number generator to decide what sort of measurement to make on the qubits to avoid any human bias.

The researchers made more than 4 million measurements at a rate of 12,500 measurements per second a speed necessary to make sure each pair of measurements occurred faster than light could travel down the tube between the two qubits. Analysing all of those data points together, they found with high certainty that Bells inequality was violated and the qubits were truly undergoing what Albert Einstein termed spooky action at a distance, as was expected.

The test confirms the platforms ability to exploit these unique quantum features for technological applications, says Storz. The success of connecting the qubits across 30 metres is particularly promising for quantum computing and encryption, he says. This is a potential path towards scaling up superconducting circuit-based quantum computers, for instance in future quantum supercomputer-like centres.

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Originally posted here:
Superconducting qubits have passed a key quantum test - New Scientist

by MidJourney v5

Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two of the most exciting and cutting-edge fields in science and technology today. But what happens when they meet? How will they transform our world and our lives? As an enthusiast of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, I have been pondering these questions.

Quantum computing, the hardware, is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which describe the behaviour of subatomic particles. Unlike classical computers, which use bits that can only be in one of two states (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits that can be in a superposition of both states at the same time. This allows them to perform multiple calculations simultaneously and solve problems intractable for conventional computers.

Artificial intelligence, the software, is the branch of computer science that aims to create systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision-making, and natural language processing. AI has made tremendous progress in recent years, thanks to advances in algorithms, data, and hardware. AI applications are now ubiquitous in our society, from personal assistants to self-driving cars to facial recognition.

The convergence of these two domains could lead to unprecedented breakthroughs. A particularly intriguing possibility is the advent of superintelligence, which refers to an agent that possesses intelligence far surpassing that of the brightest and most gifted human minds. Quantum machine learning, a fusion of quantum computing and AI, could potentially accelerate the learning process of AI systems, allowing them to assimilate and process information at a rate far beyond whats possible today. This could be the key to unlocking superintelligence.

In practical terms, quantum machine learning could enable faster and more accurate analysis of large and complex datasets, such as genomic or social media data. Another fascinating area where superintelligence could make a substantial difference is climate modelling. Accurate climate prediction requires the analysis of vast amounts of data and the modelling of complex systems, tasks that are computationally demanding for classical computers. But super-intelligent quantum computers could significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of climate models.

Quantum optimisation, aided by superintelligence, could help find optimal solutions for complex problems, such as logistics, scheduling, or drug discovery. Traditionally, discovering and developing new drugs is a long and expensive process. Scientists must synthesise thousands of compounds and test them on biological targets to see if they have the desired effect. However, with quantum AI superintelligence, we could simulate the interactions of molecules at a quantum level, accelerating the drug discovery process and reducing its cost.

Yet, many challenges and risks are associated with the pursuit of superintelligence through quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Quantum computers are still very difficult to build and operate, and require extremely low temperatures and high precision to function properly. They are also prone to errors and noise, which can affect their performance and reliability.

Moreover, the potential for superintelligence also comes with significant ethical and social issues. As these systems would surpass human intelligence, ensuring they act in alignment with human values and interests becomes paramount and presents a huge ethical challenge.

These two fields will revolutionise our world but also require careful consideration and regulation. As we navigate the path forward, we must foster an open dialogue between scientists, policymakers, ethicists, and the public, to ensure that the benefits of quantum AI and superintelligence are maximised and its risks are minimised. To avoid becoming irrelevant, we must invest in education and training to prepare our workforce for the quantum future. Only then can we truly harness the power of quantum AI to transform our world for the better.

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Quantum Computing Meets AI: Harnessing Their Convergence for a ... - Medium

Misha Friedman / Getty Images

Quantum computers are getting closer to becoming practical devices, and experts say they could revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and life sciences.

Quantinuum has released what it claims is the highest-performing quantum computer yet built, called System Model H2. The computer is less prone to errors than earlier models.

"This is a huge step for practical quantum computing," Tony Uttley, the president of Quantinuum, told Lifewire in an email interview. "One thing our announcement highlights is that our quantum computer can do things that classical computers cannot. Specifically, because our quantum computer can take advantage of intrinsically quantum features like superposition and entanglement, it is now a tool that condensed matter physicists and high energy physicists can use to conduct experiments that have up until now only been theoretical."

A quantum computer uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations that are impossible or very hard for classical computers. These machines operate with qubits, which are like bits but can simultaneously be in a superposition of 0 and 1. This feat allows a quantum computer to explore many possible solutions simultaneously and find the optimal one faster.

Quantum computers could have vast implications for advances in many areas. By solving computational problems that are impossible for classical computers, quantum computers will enable breakthroughs in modeling and controlling nature, Paul Lipman, Chief Commercial Officer at the quantum computing company Infleqtion said in an email.

"There will always be a place for 'ordinary' computers," Lipman added. "Quantum computers won't give us faster video games or better spreadsheets. However, quantum computers will ultimately have a profound impact on many aspects of our livesfrom creating targeted medical therapies to developing more environmentally friendly and efficient techniques for developing fertilizers, more energy-efficient batteries, and much else."

One stumbling block for quantum computers is that they are prone to errors due to the delicate nature of their qubits. Researchers are working on quantum error correction to protect information by encoding it across multiple physical qubits to form a 'logical qubit.'

Practical quantum computers "will require thousands of error-corrected logical qubitseach of which will require anywhere from dozens to hundreds of physical qubits," Lipman said. "Significant advances are needed in all areas of the quantum computing field to achieve this goal."

Quantum computers won't give us faster video games or better spreadsheets.

But researchers are making progress toward practical quantum computing. One exciting recent advance is optical quantum bit manipulation, Hamid Pishdadian, the CEO of SQE Holdings, a digital platform that uses quantum security, said via email.

"Up until now, quantum computing has required cryogenic freezing to keep the technology running smoothly," he added. "Optical quantum bit manipulation allows them to run at room temperature, which could lead to far more widespread availability."

Quantum computers are already being inserted into many people's lives, often in places that they may not know, Uttley said. For example, Quantinuum uses its H-Series quantum computers to generate quantum-computing-hardened encryption keys.

"These encryption keys are used by companies and organizations around the world to offer the world's best protection for critical data," he added.

Bartlomiej Wroblewski / Getty Images

Billions of dollars are invested in quantum computing by governments, institutions, and investment firms worldwide, Lipman noted. IBM recently released a 433-qubit quantum computer (the largest in the world). Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have demonstrated trapping over 1,200 atoms in an array that will lead to large-scale quantum computers utilizing individual atoms as qubits.

"Advanced quantum clocks are on the cusp of commercialization," he added. "These quantum-enabled devices will enable revolutions in fields as diverse as telecommunications, navigation, database efficiency, earthquake prediction, financial trading networks, cybersecurity, and energy grid resilience."

While many companies are experimenting with quantum computing today, practical applications beyond 'proof of concept' projects are probably 2-3 years away, Yuval Boger, the Chief Marketing Officer at the quantum computing company Classiq said in an email interview.

"In the foreseeable future, quantum computers will be a 'back-end' infrastructure technology," he added. "Just like transatlantic fiber links or ultra-large storage farms, quantum computing will impact the way companies do business, but are unlikely to become an edge device for ordinary computer users."

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Quantum Computers Are Getting a BoostHere's What That Could ... - Lifewire

IBM

Quantum computing represents a loomingand inevitablethreat to almost every aspect of our digital world that is protected by current forms of encryption. Either within this decade or the next, quantum computers will become powerful enough to easily overwhelm todays state-of-the-art cryptography. Our most popular encryption algorithms are based on mathematics impossible for supercomputers to solve but pose no meaningful challenge for the advanced technology of future quantum computers.

Even though we dont know exactly when it will be possible for quantum computing to crack classical encryption, the fact that it will happen is beyond doubt. Quantum machines of the future will have the potential to break encryption algorithms that protect online transactions, financial data, and even national security and government communications.

There is only one way to avoid these potential financial disruptions every existing security algorithm must be remediated with quantum-resistant encryption.

IBM has been working on Quantum Safe technology to solve this problem for several years. Before we examine IBM's solution, we need to understand how we got here.

The current states of quantum computing and traditional cryptography

From a development standpoint, today's quantum computers are late-stage prototypes equipped with 30 to 1,000 qubits that use various hardware technologies for qubits such as supercomputing, trapped ions, neutral atoms and even particles of light.

Fault-tolerant quantum computers of the future equipped with millions of qubits are expected to improve our lives by solving problems such as assist with climate change, simulation of large molecules and the creation of new materials and drugs. However, that class of quantum computers also represents a significant threat to cryptography and the financial underpinnings of companies, society and government.

In 1994, Bell Labs mathematician Peter Shor ignited a storm of interest in quantum computing when he developed an algorithm that could theoretically factor large prime numbers. When he published his paper on whats now called Shor's algorithm, there were no quantum computers to run it. Fast forward to today, there are quantum computers, but none yet powerful enough to run Peter Shors algorithm at least, not yet.

RSA encryption is one of the most common forms of asymmetric cryptography. It is susceptible to being hacked using the Shor algorithm because it uses two large prime numbers that are multiplied together to create a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used to decrypt it. The public key can be shared with everyone, while the private key is kept secret.

How much quantum computing power is needed to break encryption?

It is generally accepted by scientists that a classical supercomputer would require millions of years to crack a 2,048-bit RSA key. A long time, yes, but the number of possible combinations of prime numbers that could be used to create such a key is so vast that it would be impossible to test them in less than a few million years.

However, the same feat will be possible with an advanced quantum computer within a few hours to a few days and therein lies the problem. While classical supercomputers pose no risk to current cryptography and encryption, quantum computers will have no problem penetrating existing cryptography schemes.

One study theorized that someone would need a 20-million-qubit fault-tolerant quantum computer to break RSA-2,048 encryption in 8 hours.

RSA could also be broken with fewer qubits, but it would take longer. Fujitsu researchers estimated that a fault-tolerant quantum computer equipped with 10,000 logical qubits (a logical qubit contains multiple physical qubits) and 2.23 trillion quantum gates could also crack RSA. It wouldn't be a fast processit would take 104 daysbut it would be feasible.

Lets put those millions of qubits in perspective.

This year, IBM's quantum roadmap calls for the release of its largest gate-based quantum computer processors to date, one that uses 1,100 qubits.

Despite the limited size of our present-day quantum computers, most experts have little doubt that the technology will eventually develop the power needed to break RSA encryption within an actionable amount of time.

When will it be possible to break encryption?

But how long is eventually? There is no way to say precisely when quantum computers will be able to break current cryptographic algorithms. That said, whenever it does happen, it won't be a surprise. The capability will evolve along a sequential timeline of well-defined improvements in quantum computing power.

Besides the scale and fault-tolerance mentioned above, the cryptography-defeating quantum machine of the future will also likely employ a quantum-centric supercomputer architecture.

There have been predictions about when encryption-hacking might occur by a few expert sources:

These estimates were made several years ago. Even though a great deal of progress in quantum computing has been made since then, fault tolerance remains a significant technical challenge that may require another five or more years before it is achieved. Error mitigation will provide a partial solution, but not enough to scale quantum machines to the level needed to run a robust version of Shor's algorithm that can break RSA encryption and reveal its public and private keys.

Which types of systems are at risk?

IBM

We live in a world where almost every digital asset is protected by some type of encryption, ranging from private email accounts to subscription services to online bank and stock trading accounts to critical infrastructure systems such as the national electrical grid and municipal water systems.

It is a simple equivalence. Todays traditional encryption cannot coexist within an environment of advanced quantum computing because none of the protected systems will be secure.

Here are a few ways in which bad actors that could ranging from large state-sponsored groups to rogue criminal organizations, could damage or even cause a complete collapse of our entire financial system:

These are only a few examples of how quantum computing could be used to cause financial havoc within individual lives, companies, society, the government, or the world as a whole. The actual impact of quantum computing on economic systems is hard to predict, but such actions would clearly have a significant effect.

Many disruptions, such as those involving systems like power grids or airline traffic routing, would not remain isolated; these events would likely have significant ripple effects throughout the world economy and for an extended period. It has been estimated that losses caused by encryption intrusions could reach as much as several trillion dollars each.

The World Economic Forum recently estimated that more than 20 billion digital devices will need to be either upgraded or replaced in the next 1020 years to include new forms of quantum-safe encrypted communication.

IBM Quantum Safe Technology work has already begun

In November 2022, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a memorandum ordering all federal agencies to start preparing to implement post-quantum cryptography to secure Federal data and information systems. This memo is a follow-up to a White House National Security Memorandum issued in May 2022 that made federal resources available to assist in migrating all U.S. digital systems to quantum-resilient cybersecurity standards by 2035.

Previously, NIST initiated a Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process in 2016 to identify new algorithms that can resist threats posed by quantum computers. After three rounds of evaluation, NIST has identified new quantum-safe algorithms; it plans to have new quantum-safe standards in place by 2024.

The four algorithm finalists from NIST

IBM

In NISTs final round of consideration, IBM researchers were involved in developing three quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms based on lattice cryptography: CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium and Falcon.

Industries have already begun to prepare for the quantum future as well. Last year the telecommunications industry organization GSMA formed a Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce. IBM and Vodafone were among the founding members of the taskforce to help define policy, regulation and operator business processes to protect telcos from the quantum threat.

What must be done to protect cryptography from quantum threats

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there is only one way to protect the billions of encrypted products and services from damage that future quantum computers could cause. According to the best estimates, quantum computer threats to existing encrypted services and products will begin to happen around 2030. That means we only have six to seven years for every organization and every government agency to replace its existing public-key cryptography applications with new NIST quantum-safe algorithms.

As announced at IBMs Think 2023 conference, IBM researchers and the companys partners have been actively developing quantum-safe remediation techniques and algorithms for that exact purpose. The objective is to allow an unhampered flow-through of future quantum computing power and benefits while simultaneously providing a shield again quantums disruptive encryption-breaking power.

IBM Quantum Safe

IBMs Quantum Safe is an end-to-end solution that will assist enterprises and government agencies in identifying and replacing existing cryptography algorithms with new algorithms. Quantum Safe includes a comprehensive set of tools and capabilities to assist in transforming to an environment that can resist quantum threats.

What IBM Quantum Safe is

IBM

Quantum Safe technology brings three critical capabilities: IBM Quantum Safe Explorer, IBM Quantum Safe Advisor and IBM Quantum Safe Remediator. Each of these technology capabilities perform transformational step in the transition process, to discover, observe and transform cryptography. .

Explorer can scan source and object codes, while Advisor provides a dynamic or operational view of system-wide cryptography usage. The combined views of Explorer and Advisor offer a comprehensive view of enterprise-wide cryptography usage, both from a dynamic and static standpoint. Combined information from Explorer and Advisor can also be used to monitor and manage cryptography and any associated vulnerabilities that may arise. It can also be an input to create a transformation roadmap detailing the issues to be addressed first or determine which actions will provide the most significant benefits.

The roadmap can then be used in the transformation process, where Remediator captures best practices and automates actions when possible.

Quantum Safe architecture

IBM

Even though Explorer, Advisor and Remediator are discrete capabilities within the Quantum Safe architecture, they are integrated by sharing the same common informational model.

The Quantum Safe system creates information as a Cryptography Bill of Materials (CBOM) fashioned after the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). The CBOM is an essential tool for migrating to quantum-safe cryptography. It identifies and inventories cryptographic assets and the dependencies, helps plan for the migration to quantum-safe algorithms with single source of truth.

It is important to highlight crucial design consideration in the Quantum Safe system. IBM made a point not to require the installation of any additional agents within the enterprise framework. The objective was to integrate with what people already had. That's why there is integration with external systems and systems of record that already exist, particularly in the continuous integration and continuous deployment (CICD) pipeline, the network monitoring systems and the configuration management database. The CICD pipeline is the set of tools and processes that automate the development, testing and deployment of software.

IBM

The example above shows one of the many possible views of data that can be captured and viewed by having Explorer scan source and object code. This view of a portfolio of applications shows where cryptography exists, along with the remediation status of each instance. This example illustrates results obtained by selecting a specific endpoint in the repository containing Java code for an application. In this instance, Explorer has scanned all of the Java files and identified particular cryptography usage within the scanned files.

The labels are self-explanatory except for the far-left purple ring. In this case, it shows that 14 algorithms are not quantum safe. If any of the algorithms were quantum safe, a portion of the purple ring would be shown as green. Explorer calls out the specific algorithms being used, such as RSA, Diffie-Hellman, AES etc.

IBM

This dynamic view of Advisor shows network data and its corresponding usage of cryptography. Also displayed are the number of TLS services in use and quantum ciphers. Double-clicking on an item will show where it is being used, along with other contextual information. Combining this view with the previous screens can provide even more information about cryptography usage.

It will be vital to use Quantum Safe TLS because a future quantum computer capable of running the Shor algorithm could easily break current TLS communications algorithms. In addition, TLS data-in-transit that has been snooped and stored could be breached at a later time when large fault-tolerant quantum computers become available.

IBM currently provides API for integrating with network security scanning tools that clients already use and ingest that network scan logs to analyze.

IBM

Quantum Safe Remediator can do automated remediation; A this stage of development, there will likely be significant amounts of code that can't be automatically remediated. In those cases, architects and developers should adopt best practices for fixing the code.

Suppose it is necessary to implement a QSE-enabled VPN, or a quantum safe proxy implementation. To address that case, IBM has codified patterns that clients can instantiate in their environment so they can understand how it works and immediately begin using it.

Note that there are only a handful of remediation patterns available. IBM has explained that it will not be creating hundreds of patterns. Instead, the company believes that right now best practice dictates the creation of engagement-driven, high-value codified patterns to provide maximum benefit for clients. It should also be noted that IBM has a library of known patterns. Based on ongoing discovery with Explorer and Advisor, IBM will be able to codify new patterns and make them available to clients.

The Quantum Safe roadmap tracks milestones and timelines

IBM

IBM's Quantum Safe roadmap is designed to identify and reinforce digital transformation initiatives based on emerging technologies. The roadmap will also support remediation efforts to make existing data assets and services quantum-safe. The roadmap also lists dates for significant industry milestones that are driven by standardization, federal government requirements or CNSA guidelines.

Roadmap data should be helpful for federal or civilian agencies or healthcare companies that must follow strict regulations about tracking requirements and dates. Suppliers can also use this information to stay abreast of quantum certification requirements.

The bottom channel on the roadmap consists of IBM infrastructure hardware and software products that on the journey to quantum-safe.

Wrapping up

We cannot predict when the first encryption-protected service or product might be breached by a quantum machine. It could be within this decade or even the next decade. Yet the crucial point remains the same: today's cryptography cannot stop future quantum computers from hacking it.

All data is at risk. Even before quantum computers can crack encryption on the fly, data that uses current encryption methods can be captured and stored by a hacker until quantum computers become powerful enough to defeat the stored data's encryption. And again, any computer system that needs to operate securely for long periods without major modification must be remediated with quantum-safe encryption. Given that almost every digital service and product in use today relies on some form of encryption for protection, it is important for every organization to begin a program to identify and swap out the old encryption for new quantum-safe algorithms as soon as possible. Remediating the old encryption won't be simple and it won't be fast. But it will be worth all the effort.

IBM Quantum Safe greatly simplifies the process of remediating old algorithms, but similar to IBMs existing quantum roadmap, Quantum Safe is an agile product that follows and improves upon the roadmap along the way. IBM will continue to add features to Quantum Safe while experimenting and working with clients to validate and improve its capabilities.

Paul Smith-Goodson is the Vice President and Principal Analyst for Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence at Moor Insights & Strategy. You can follow him on Twitter for current information and insights about Quantum, AI, Electromagnetics, and Space.

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IBM Quantum Safe Technology: Protects Data From Encryption-Busting Attacks By Next-Generation Quantum Computers - Forbes