Addressing the potential threat of quantum computers on 5G networks
The rapid advancements in quantum computing pose a threat to the security of mobile networks. Implementing standardized quantum-resistant cryptography and protocols is crucial to mitigate this threat. Additionally, intergovernmental and international policy coordination is necessary to ensure globally secure and interoperable use of quantum-resistant cryptography.
Insights
Securing modern telecommunication networks
Mobile networks rely on maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the identity of participants and their communication using cryptographic algorithms and protocols such as AES and TLS. Thus, the network can protect sensitive customer data and individual subscribers from traffic inspection and exploitation, and provide secure connectivity to individual applications and services.
Quantum computing
Quantum computing is not yet widely available, but it has the potential to speed up many previously intractable computational problems in fields such as financial modeling, pharmaceutical research, and materials research. It is useful to distinguish between industrially useful quantum computing and cryptographically relevant, that is, threat to existing cryptographic algorithms, quantum computers.
Pathway to quantum-safe networks
The most effective and efficient approach to mitigate the threat of advanced quantum computers is by implementing standardized and widely accepted quantum-resistant cryptography and protocols. Global harmonization and interoperability of quantum-resistant protocols should be ensured through intergovernmental and international policy coordination work.
