Archive for the ‘Quantum Computing’ Category

What is the purpose of post-quantum cryptography? – TechHQ

What is the purpose of post-quantum cryptography? The basic, white bread answer would be to keep all your secret stuff safe in the apparently imminent age of quantum computing, when standard cryptographic algorithms will be worth less than the paper on which you print them out.

Thats it in a nutshell. Quantum computing, a development thats set to massively increase the processing power and speed of computers as we know them, is, according to plenty of cryptographic experts, likely to pull on the thread of all known, pre-quantum cybersecurity, and keep pulling until all our carefully constructed cryptography is just a pile of numbers around our naked, exposed ankles.

Post-quantum cryptography is a collective term for an ever-growing group of methods that will allow quantum computing to exist while still protecting all our secrets (like bank account numbers, Netflix passwords etc, but also like access codes to nuclear or chemical laboratories, government buildings, national critical infrastructure systems and more). Without the ability to have and keep secrets, the world as weve come to know it would stop functioning in a big, big hurry.

The problem as it exists is that a lot of our pre-quantum cybersecurity is based on public-key technology. Whats public-key? Essentially, its just a large numerical value that we use to encrypt our data. Imagine, say, ten Rubik cubes, linked together through the center. Every move you make to solve one cube makes the same move on every other cube, each of which have a different initial configuration.

Its theoretically possible to solve all the puzzles together, but it a) takes quite the computational genius, and b) takes the computers we have a good deal of time, during which, a handful of cheerful alarms can be set off and security teams can come metaphorically running to intercept and throw out the potential hacker.

Thats great, so long as everyones using the same kind of computer, because it creates an unlikely but usefully level playing field.

The reason quantum computing is expected to be so fast is that it will be able to handle not only comparatively vast numbers of numbers simultaneously, but also vast numbers of computations simultaneously.

Its likely to look at the intricately constructed mega-puzzle that is pe-quantum public-key encryption, smile indulgently, say Cute, solve the whole thing in the time it takes to say Cute, and go about its Wikileaky day, leaving everything that had been protected by public-key encryption exposed to the elements, the hackers, the blackmailers and the hostile nation states.

At least, thats the theory. We dont technically know that quantum computing will be able to do that, and theres a sense of Millennium Bug planning about the whole thing. But as with Millennium Bug planning, if the nightmare scenario of quantum computing does come true and leave everything using public-key encryption open and exposed, were going to feel mighty foolish for the half-hour or so before the world dissolves into chaos, anarchy, James Bond movie plots and possibly a primitive non-computer dystopia.

Incidentally, its true of course that public-key is only half the story of pre-quantum cryptography. Theres also a private-key element, which is usually individual-specific. But its widely considered that if quantum computers can crack public-key cryptography, then private-key is likely to be little more than an hors doeuvres of decryption, the easy sudoku before it moves on to the cryptic version.

Hence the need to be prepared for the era of quantum computing by deploying post-quantum cryptography. But what really is the purpose of post-quantum cryptography? What does it really mean, and perhaps more to the point, how do we really do it? If the giant number-cruncher is coming for all our precious secrets, how in the world do we protect them?

Naturally enough, the way post-quantum cryptography works depends on understanding the purpose behind it, and the way the quantum computers are most likely to work.

Behind our folksy, easily digestible Rubik cube analogy, pre-quantum public-key cryptography tends to rely on three hard math problems: the integer factorization problem, the discrete logarithm problem, and the elliptic-curve discrete logarithm problem.

Feel free to look them up if you want to go beyond the Rubik cube analogy. Google will pretend to be your friend.

Post-quantum cryptography, perhaps perversely, will still most likely use public-key as its core approach, but will likely focus on any one or more of a handful of other techniques, given that quantum computers are expected to be able to solve the existing security problems in a handful of digital heartbeats, thanks to their ability to rapidly deploy Shors algorithm.

In brief, the front runner types of public-key algorithms that are most likely to deliver post-quantum cryptography are:

In particular, its worth keeping an eye on NTRU lattice-based cryptography, which has some significant testing behind it (with, admittedly, current computers), and has so far withstood years of attempts to crack it. Thats why NTRU lattice-based cryptography or at least something called the StehleSteinfeld variant of NTRU is being promoted for study as a potential standard of post-quantum cryptography by the Post Quantum Cryptography Study Group sponsored by the European Commission.

Less fun than they sound, hash-based cryptographic algorithms have been around since the 1970s (and as such, we might think them useless in fighting 2020s or 2030s quantum computer intrusion). Actually though, their fundamental nature as alternatives to numerical digital signatures might have some skin in the post-quantum cryptography fight. As yet, theyre less supported for investigation than the likes of lattice-based cryptography, but theres nothing fundamental that says evolutions of the likes of Lamport or Merkle signatures might not have a part to play in the post-quantum world.

Another contender favored by the European Commission, code-based cryptographic algorithms tend to rely on error-correcting codes. Ironically, one algorithm called the McEliece signature has withstood attempts to crack it for over 40 years by using random codes. Researchers that have tried to add more structure to the McEliece signature have invariably made it weaker and less stable, suggesting that useful randomness may have a part to play in post-quantum cryptography.

While it might not exactly trip off the tongue, supersingular elliptic curve isogeny cryptography might well prove useful for forward secrecy (useful for avoiding the likes of mass surveillance by unfriendly governments). Its also essentially a quantum-resistant version of an already widely-used version of public-key cryptography, the elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman key, so there are arguments in favor of it being a minimal-hassle upgrade.

Another alternative that more or less already exists is symmetric keys. Public-key cryptography is one thing, symmetric key cryptography another, but its another that already exists and is in use, and is expected to be quantum intrusion-resistant. That means there are many organizations suggesting we simply switch out public-key cryptography for symmetric key cryptography altogether.

Whether that will deliver a long-term solution remains as yet hard to judge at least until we see fully-powered quantum computers, up, running, and on their game. But its certainly a theoretical way of deferring the problem while robust long-term post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are tested and developed in the field.

One of the longer shots in the field right now, multivariate cryptography is exactly what it sounds like cryptography based on the solving of multivariate equations. In its current form, its not been particularly effective in testing, and in principle, the idea of essentially making public-key cryptography just a little more complex probably wont survive more than a couple of rounds of evolution of fully-powered quantum computers.

Still, the idea of doing more complex things with existing math appeals in the here and now, and if, for instance, the quantum cryptography apocalypse never arrives in the dramatic fashion thats being forecast, multivariate cryptography might yet have a future as a heightened evolution of pre-quantum cybersecurity.

Whichever options withstand the power of quantum computing best will undoubtedly shape the direction of corporate, government and personal cybersecurity for at least a generation. Which options those turn out to be well have to wait and see. But ultimately, what is the purpose of post-quantum cryptography? Its to make sure business continues as usual in a world of the casual supercomputer in your pocket, on your desk, and everywhere else.

Continue reading here:
What is the purpose of post-quantum cryptography? - TechHQ

How quantum computing will disrupt thematic ETFs – ETF Stream

From black holes and Schrodingers cat to machines capable of teleporting information, quantum computings road from sci-fi to investable opportunity may be early stage but its potential to affect seismic change in products such as thematic ETFs should not be underestimated.

Physicist Richard Feynman famously said if you think you understand quantum mechanics, then you do not. This rings true for the study of subatomic behaviour that defies the laws of physics but even more so when trying to understand the machines harnessing this behaviour to revolutionise computing.

Exponentially scaling the processing power of classical computers will soon be impossible, with transistors in silicon chips already a thousandth of the diameter of a red blood cell. However, these computers rely on binary digits called bits ones and zeros as their units of information, whereas quantum devices rely on qubits which can be represented as ones, zeros or through superposition the ability to be in multiple things at once they can appear as a mix of the two simultaneously.

This article first appeared in ETF Insider, ETF Stream's monthly ETF magazine for professional investors in Europe. To read the full article,click here.

Originally posted here:
How quantum computing will disrupt thematic ETFs - ETF Stream

Amazon Braket for Quantum Computing Research Advanced … – University of Central Florida

Please note: this is the second session (Advanced) of a workshop that takes place over two sessions. It is recommended that you attend both sessions. You need to register for the first (Introduction) session separately.

In this free hands-on workshop you will learn how to use Amazon Braket, a fully managed quantum computing service designed to help speed up scientific research and software development for quantum computing. You will skill up your quantum computing knowledge and have the opportunity to use quantum simulators and quantum computers to complete hands-on exercises. By popular demand this workshop will also cover analog Hamiltonian simulation with the 256-qubit processor Aquila from QuEra Computing, Inc. You will be provided with free 72 hours access to Amazon Braket to experiment with example notebooks and run programs on available quantum resources.

The workshop will be split in two 3-hour sessions. The first day of the workshop will be aimed at first-time users of Amazon Braket and introduce quantum simulators and gate-based quantum computers. The second day will be dedicated to more advanced topics on the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and analog Hamiltonian simulation with QuEra Aquila. The workshop is designed to be self-contained, but basic knowledge of the Python programming language and some familiarity with quantum gates and circuits is desirable. Advanced users who wish to skip introductory content can attend day 2 only.

Day 1 (Introduction): 4/17/2023 1PM-4PMDay 2 (Advanced): 4/19/2023 2PM-5PM

Presenter(s):Brajesh Gupt, Quantum Applied Scientist at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Registration link (Day 2, Advanced ONLY):https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXTLDl2PLtuMd4q

Registration link (Day 1, Introduction ONLY):https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_by0lWGPqQEDxl6m

Research Computing and Data Workshops SeriesWe are pleased to bring to the UCF Research community a series of workshops on scientific computing and research data management. These workshops are being jointly presented by UCF Libraries,UCF Graduate and Research IT, andUCF Advanced Research Computing Center (ARCC)and will feature some guest speakers from the broader research community.This series also includes Software and Data Carpentries workshops (http://carpentries.org) which have been made possible through the sponsorship of Office of Research.

Upcoming WorkshopsFor the complete line-up of upcoming Research Computing and Data Workshops, please visit:https://rci.research.ucf.edu/workshops

Read more:
Amazon Braket for Quantum Computing Research Advanced ... - University of Central Florida

Thales Prepares to Secure European Infrastructures Against Attacks … – Business Wire India

La Dfense, PARIS, France:

As a driving force in the second quantum revolution, Thales has joined forces with around twenty deep tech, academic and industry partners, as part of the EuroQCI initiative (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure), which aims to deploy a quantum communication infrastructure for EU member states within three years.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230414005211/en/

Carlos Castilla

By 2040, quantum computers could use their unprecedented computational power to decode encrypted data, incomparably threatening the security of even the best-protected communication systems. EuroQCI aims to counter that threat by developing sovereign systems to protect the communications and data assets of critical infrastructure providers and government institutions.

The longer-term objective of the initiative is to create a Quantum Information Network (QIN) that will harness the phenomenon of quantum entanglement not only to guarantee communications security but also to create networks of quantum sensors and processors, which have the potential to drive exponential increases in the already outstanding performance of quantum sensors and quantum computers.

As part of this effort, today, Thales is breaking new ground as a member of multiple new consortia that have been set up since late 2022 in these domains:

Specifically, the Thales teams taking part in these projects are working to develop quantum key generation, distribution and management equipment and the associated communication encryption devices, as well as defining the architecture of these quantum communication infrastructures.

Thales operates the largest quantum physics research facilities in Europe, in partnership with the CNRS, and some 100 engineers and researchers are currently engaged in the development of the quantum solutions (sensors, communications and algorithms) that will play a foundational role in tomorrow's world. These new consortia will all benefit from Thales's multi-disciplinary expertise, in particular in the field of secure communication networks.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to 4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity.

Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of 17.6 billion.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230414005211/en/

Here is the original post:
Thales Prepares to Secure European Infrastructures Against Attacks ... - Business Wire India

Think AI is scary now? Wait till it gets boosted by quantum computing – New York Post

Lifestyle

By Alex Mitchell

April 12, 2023 | 6:35pm

Creeped out by ChatGPT? Frightened of a future where artificial intelligence replaces the real thing? Brace yourself, because here comes quantum computing.

The developing technology which relies on subatomic, quantum mechanics could accelerate the advancement of AI to lightning speed, experts say.

Such a powerful upgrade could lead to amazing things or terrible ones.

We could cure cancer with quantum computing combined with AI, Lisa Palmer, chief AI strategist for the consulting firm AI Leaders told The Post. There is a huge upside here like upgrading from a bicycle to a high speed sports car.

In the wrong hands, however, that kind of power could be devastating to society especially when it comes to hacking.

One of the worst cases is that it can be detrimental to financial systems in the hands of bad actors, Palmer said. A data breach could happen for every bank account in their entire system.

The revolutionary technology uses subatomic quantum bits, aka qubits, for data processing. It replaces the conventional approach of using binary bits like zeros and ones for data. The approach is significantly faster and more efficient to a point where the possibilities are infinite.

Using quantum computing, we can simulate the physical world in a way that is much, much faster, Pengcheng Shi, associate dean in the department of computing and information sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology, told The Post.

The turbocharged tech has seen major investments from companies like IBM, who have put $20 billion behind the rapidly evolving machinery. Google is an investor as well.

And while quantum computing is still in its infancy, it wont be for long.

Palmer speculates that it could see practical use in three to five years. IBM is already on pace for a substantial breakthrough by 2026 as well, Forbes reported.

Once mature, the technology will likely yield outstanding breakthroughs in the field of medicine particularly in accelerating pharmacology and the development of medications, according to Shi.

The professor also predicts that quantum computing will likely play a major role in space exploration, particularly in the use of mapping for optics such as the Webb telescope.

Beyond breakneck speed, quantum can also substantially increase quality in AI and make it more creative, according to AI expert and CUNY Queens College professor Jamie Cohen.

Currently, AI such as ChatGPT, or generative image AI programs like Midjourney is limited by its machine output processing and, like people, becomes fatigued to a point where it impacts performance.

The reason why Bing limited its AI, Sydney, to five prompts is because its answers are more degenerative each time that could all change with quantum computing, Cohen told The Post, adding that one day it might be able to train itself.

No matter what happens, theres a silver lining, experts say: Computer users everywhere can look forward to the end of pesky, time-consuming two-factor authentication, which in the face of the power and speed of quantum will be about as effective as taping a door shut to keep it locked.

Standard encryption today is going to be crushed by the quantum computers forget about two-factor authentication, Shi said, noting that the super rapid processors will render the tool obsolete, while offering greater protection through deeper, more efficient encryption.

Load more...

https://nypost.com/2023/04/12/how-quantum-computing-will-speed-up-the-age-of-ai/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons

Visit link:
Think AI is scary now? Wait till it gets boosted by quantum computing - New York Post