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After diving into the science of quantum computing in the second episode, the Entrust Engage podcast moves toward the world of blockchain and the impact of quantum computing on it in the third episode. Providing commentary on this topic was Jon Geater, Chief Product and Technology Officer at RKVST, and Pali Surdhar, Director of Product Security at Entrust. The intersection of blockchain and quantum computing is quite fascinating, and thats exactly what this episode explores. Here are the four key things I learned from this conversation:

#1: What is blockchain?

Before we go further into how quantum computing impacts blockchain, its important to have a foundational understanding of just what this technology is. As this episode explains, blockchain is ledger-based, decentralized, and built on high-integrity cryptography. It features two crucial properties: Control is spread around to a number of participants, and accountability is shared and decentralized. Built on the foundation of cryptography and fair-access principles, blockchain ensures fair access, good control, and knowledge of trustworthiness of the data.

#2: Is blockchain at risk from quantum computing?

In blockchain, the threat from quantum computing has more to do with the integrity of historic ledger records than the decryption of data. If a bad actor was able to back-date data and effectively rewrite history by leveraging quantum computing, it would break the blockchain principle of ensuring the truthfulness of data.

While this could be a potential vulnerability in the future, at present blockchain happens to be partially quantum-resistant already. Even if the technology were to be compromised, it could only happen at one point in time, in one place, on one computer, and in one piece of memory. And then after that, the computer must convince the other participants in the consensus that this is the correct version of history to accept. In a sense, the decentralized nature of blockchain networks has some built-in quantum resistance.

#3: In that case, does blockchain need to be prepared to mitigate risk?

Theres a significant overlap between whats being required by regulatory bodies and the capabilities of blockchain-based architecture. Since theres already some resistance in blockchain to quantum attacks, is there any urgency to transition to quantum-safe techniques? This can depend on the use case, but the answer is probably yes.

In blockchain, if the use case involves a confidentiality requirement, key exchanges are occurring, and there exists the same vulnerability as in the wider internet. Another important consideration is the data inside the blocks themselves; users need to make sure the chain references or digests cant be faked. Thats another situation in which it is useful to have quantum-resistant algorithms deployed.

#4: When should blockchain prepare for the quantum threat?

To paraphrase our experts: Prepare now but know youre not alone. Blockchain creates accountability for its shared infrastructure. Blockchain users would be wise to update their cryptography and transition their algorithms to quantum-safe options as outlined by NIST. They exist in a community; the best advice is for users to come to a consensus about protecting assets and joint histories for the road ahead.

To hear all about the intersection of blockchain and quantum computing, have a listen to the third episode of Entrust Engage. For more information on post-quantum cryptography and how to prepare, check out our Post-Quantum Preparedness webpage.

The post 4 Learnings at the Intersection of Blockchain and Quantum Computing from Entrust Engage appeared first on Entrust Blog.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Entrust Blog authored by Lavanya Suvarna. Read the original post at: https://www.entrust.com/2023/04/4-learnings-at-the-intersection-of-blockchain-and-quantum-computing-from-entrust-engage/

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4 Learnings at the Intersection of Blockchain and Quantum Computing from Entrust Engage - Security Boulevard

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCI) has added Lewis Shepherd as a third person to their Technical Advisory Board. Nr, Shephard is currently a Senior Director, Research & Emerging Technologies Strategy at VMWare and has prior experience at the U.S. Department of Defense, Microsoft, the Defense Intelligence Agency. He has 30 years of government and industry experience and has recently been focusing in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality/virtual reality, data visualization, quantum computing, encryption, and cybersecurity. A news release provided by QCI announcing his appointment is available here.

The Duality Quantum Accelerator in Chicago has named Ezunial Eze Burts as their new Director. Mr. Burts joins Duality after 20 years at Boeing Corporation with his most recent position as the Senior Manager, Future Production Systems & Technology Environment Health and Safety. His responsibilities at Duality include the programs operational management, ensuring long-term financial stability, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. A news release publicizing his appointment has been posted on the Duality website here.

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) has recruited Tony Lowe to become their Chief Operating Officer (COO). He previously was the COO for Oxbotica, anautonomous driving software company. He has previous experience at Jaguar Land Rover, AT&T, Harman Samsung, wejo, and Imagination Technologies. He has much experience in scaling tech and deep tech startup/scaleups for hyper growth and investment and will work to do this at OQC. You can see more about Mr. Lowe and his background in a post on the OQC webpage here.

Qrypt has added David Johnson to its management team as Vice-President of Engineering. He over 20 years of industry experience and most recently was the Vice-President of Engineering at Visual Lease. Before that he has served in a variety of engineering roles at several organizations including the U.S. Air Force. He will be leading Qrypts team of engineers developing their next generation of encryption technology that provides quantum-security-as-a-service.

IQM has named Raghunath Koduvayur as the Head of Asia-Pacific Business and Sylwia Barthel de Weydenthal as the new Head of Marketing and Communications replacing Mr. Koduvayur who had held the Marketing and Communications position for the three previous years. As we reported earlier this month, IQM is opening up a new office in Singapore and Koduvayur will be running that office. Prior to IQM has held a variety of marketing and business development roles including six years at Nokia. Ms. Weydenthal comes to IQM from Meta where she spent over eight years in Client Partner and Diversity & Inclusion Champion for Central & Eastern Europe. Prior to that she also has marketing and public relations experience at Heineken, Coca-Cola, and some PR firms. Additional information about these changes at IQM is available in a news release here.

April 11, 2023

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Whos News: Management Additions at Quantum Computing Inc., Duality, Oxford Quantum Circuits, Qrypt, and IQM - Quantum Computing Report

At the same time, the security of computer systems, networks, and devices from cyberattacks by state and nonstate hackers, foreign and domestic, is also of increasing importance to the public and thus to the government, which now spends $10 billion on cybersecurity. Ensuring the integrity of social media from manipulation by hostile actors has also become a matter of national security. Tracking and anticipating movements of people, drugs, and extreme weather are more crucial than ever for public security.

In the face of these perils, three post-digital technologies are especially important: artificial intelligence, of course; quantum computing and communications; and networked satellite systems. Each is inherently dual-use, with great commercial value and potential to enhance national security.

AI is the most advanced in market penetration because it has been around the longest. Still, a 2022 Brookings report found that the government market for AI remains immature, but with rapid growth likely to come. Nearly all federal government expenditures on AI are for professional, technical, and scientific services, of which 87 percent of contract value is with DOD.

The AI industry serving the government unlike established defense contractors that furnish large platforms and weapons is highly fragmented, which means opportunity for startups and private sector innovators. Technology vendors come in all shapes and sizes, yet only 62 of them have more than one contract, while 245 have just one each.

Interest in and funding for networked space systems is of course mainly at NASA and DODs Space Force. That industry is made up of established systems integrators (for example: Boeing, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin) and private sector space system and services providers (for example: SpaceX).

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Post-digital technologies and national security: challenge and ... - Roll Call

At the atomic and subatomic scales of matter, classical laws of nature lose control and quantum mechanics take over. Discoveries of new quantum phenomena and materials, such as quantum entanglement and topological systems, promise to deliver groundbreaking technologies. New extremely efficient quantum computers and communications and cryptography technologies are among a few of the future applications that could revolutionize the world.

Florida State University will dedicate more than $20 million to quantum science and engineering over the next three years, funding that will support hiring at least eight new faculty members, equipment and dedicated space in the universitys Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building, and seed money for a new program focused on this emerging field. FSU President Richard McCullough announced the investments at the first day of the universitys Quantum Science and Engineering Symposium last week.

Its clear from the research being presented here that FSU is uniquely positioned to be a leader in what is now being heralded as the second quantum revolution, McCullough said. We have the drive and the desire to expand our existing efforts so that we can be on the forefront of research in this area of critical national and global importance.

The investments are part of the universitys efforts to support the development of applications that exploit quantum mechanics to make engineering breakthroughs.

Were excited about building on our strengths in magnetism, quantum materials, superconductors, spectroscopy and cryogenics, just to name a few areas, said Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson. The university is committed to building on these programs by investing in the recruitment of top national talent who can complement existing expertise and open new opportunities for faculty and students.

The federal government has made expanding knowledge of quantum information science and developing new technologies a strategic priority. Agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy and others are part of the $2.6 billion National Quantum Initiative.

FSU researchers are already part of the endeavor to explore quantum science and engineering. For example, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Eugene DePrince is leading a $4.4 million Department of Energy (DOE) project to help create software that can take advantage of supercomputer capabilities and advance quantum information science. FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Professor Wei Guo worked with DOE researchers to develop a new quantum bit platform, research that was published in the journal Nature. Professor of Physics Stephen Hill and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Michael Shatruk are participants in a $10 million multi-institutional Energy Frontier Research Center, also sponsored by DOE.

College of Arts and Sciences faculty have a major role to play in FSUs emerging quantum science focus, and we are enthusiastic partners in this exciting initiative, said Sam Huckaba, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In particular, our expertise in chemistry, computer science, and physics will anchor the universitys early participation, and other disciplines will join as these endeavors coalesce.

Added Suvranu De, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering: Engineering is the application of science to the solution of practical problems. Throughout history, engineers have pursued the most effective tools for resolving the challenges they encounter. Quantum science and technology signify a continuation of this extensive legacy. Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering stand poised to participate in the problem-solving and technical innovation fostered by advancements in quantum science. The college takes great pride in bolstering the universitys initiatives in this rapidly emerging field.

Quantum engineering takes advantage of the principles of quantum mechanics to develop technologies beyond what is capable with classical physics. For example, quantum computers take advantage of the abilities of quantum bits to exist as 0 and 1 simultaneously until they are measured and to become connected in such a way that their properties become correlated, a phenomenon known as entanglement. Leveraging the unique properties of entangled states will allow quantum computers to solve problems that would take classical computers many years to calculate.

In computing, cryptography, sensing and other technologies, quantum science and engineering is poised to make major breakthroughs possible, Shatruk said. Looking at the map of quantum science initiatives and centers across the nation, there is a huge gap in the Southeast. FSUs administration making this investment is a bold step to make the university a major player in this area.

Attendees at Florida States three-day Quantum Science and Engineering Symposium heard from nearly two dozen researchers from institutions such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Amazon, Keysight Technologies, University of Florida, Georgia Tech, University of California Irvine, University of California Los Angeles and the FSU-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory about their latest research.

The quality of presentations at the symposium was exceptional, Hill said. There was also plenty of time devoted to discussion, with the aim of informing strategies going forward that will ensure FSU cements its position as a leader in quantum science and engineering research and workforce education.

Quantum materials are the latest example of humanitys search to develop better materials that will impact society, said MagLab researcher Ryan Baumbach, who spoke about his research into uranium-based materials. Consider steel, a well-established technology that is still being pushed forward today by scientists. Without the steel beams that make high rises possible, modern cities would look very different and couldnt be organized in the ways they are now.

New materials have impacts on society that we dont necessarily predict ahead of time, he said. Its absolutely true that some of these materials were discussing here could be useful for quantum computing, quantum sensors or particle accelerators. We also have the chance to discover new things that we cant anticipate and that may have very big impacts.

Along with the possibilities for learning more about subatomic physics and chemistry, quantum science holds great opportunity for developing new technologies and partnering with industry. Representatives from Amazon and Keysight Technologies spoke about the work their companies are doing in this field.

Florida State faculty continue to innovate across academic disciplines, and quantum science offers another opportunity for them to continue their world-class work, Provost Jim Clark said. FSUs investment represents a commitment to advancing knowledge in this field, and Im excited to see what our faculty will develop as they move forward.

Source:https://news.fsu.edu/

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FSU to Dedicate More than $20 Million to Quantum Science and ... - AZoQuantum

NIU Physics Professor Andreas Glatz is working to meet the demands of an ongoing technological revolutionone that requires a keen understanding of the quantum world, where the normal rules of physics and nature fly out the window.

In the quantum or subatomic realm, electrons are particlesand waves. A subatomic particle can be both here and theresimultaneously. Two particles that are far apart can instantly interact with each othersomething Einstein called spooky actions at a distance.

In this otherworldly world, Glatz applies a unique combination of skills acquired in his training in the most advanced methods of modern theoretical physics. As both a theorist and computational scientist, he develops pioneering high-performance-computing methodologies and models requiring complex algorithms to simulate the subatomic-level interactions and phases of matter, such as liquid to solid, or superconductivity.

As a result, Professor Glatz expands our understanding of the fundamental properties of matter, paving the way for development of new materials, devices and areas of research.

Recognizing his past achievements and future promise, NIU has awarded Glatz with the 2023 Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professorship.

The professorship is NIUs top recognition for outstanding research or artistry. It has been given out annually since 1982 to select faculty in recognition and support of NIUs research and artistic mission. Award winners receive special financial support of their research for four years, after which they carry the title ofDistinguished Research Professor.

Glatz, who holds a joint appointment with the U.S. Department of Energys Argonne National Laboratory, is internationally renowned for his work in superconductivity, computational physics and condensed-matter physicsall areas that involve keen knowledge of the quantum realm.

Andreas talent to solve sophisticated problems in theoretical physics utilizing state-of-the-art computational and analytical methods are exceptional., says Wai-Kwong Kwok, a senior scientist at Argonne. His research has driven several new approaches to elucidate and to enhance the applicability of superconductors, and his new foray into soft condensed matter physics has already led to new concepts that will impact current and future research in this area.

Professor Glatz, who has directed five Ph.D. dissertations, frequently involves post-doctoral and graduate students from NIU and other universities in his research. He has authored nearly 100 scientific papers, published in prestigious scientific journals. He also has been a principal or co-principal investigator on grants totaling nearly $20 million.

In recent years, his unique skillset has allowed Glatz to turn his attention to quantum information science and its applications.

Scientific understanding of the rules of quantum mechanicsthe fundamental theory in physics describing the behavior of microscopic particlesenabled the invention of transistors which are the building blocks of modern (binary) computers. That was the first quantum revolution. Now scientists say were in the midst of a second that will allow scientists to control the quantum state of matter which further has enabled the development of novel technologies such as quantum computing devices.

Using his expertise in modelling and simulation, Glatz is actively using quantum computers to solve problems in quantum physics.

Currently, we are in the middle of a worldwide second quantum revolution, which promises the exploitation of quantum mechanics to create the next generation of computers, sensors and devices, says NIU Omar Chmaissem, a distinguished research professor of physics. Dr. Glatzs expertise poises him to become one of the leaders in this imminent second quantum revolution.

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Andreas Glatz named Presidential Research, Scholarship and ... - NIU Today