President Biden’s order to accelerate quantum encryption in the USA

• On June 22, the U.S. approved direct funding for quantum computing research and development at post-quantum cryptographic system.
• DOE plans to develop fault-tolerant computer technology by 2028, with quantum encryption expected to reach stable protocols by 2030 or 2031.
• Support for PQC companies to prevent non-interoperability, incompatibility of security properties, and to solve problems with interoperability, with delays and changes in systems.

On June 22, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at accelerating technological innovation. One of them focuses on research and development of quantum computer technologies, while the other is about deploying quantum encryption critical infrastructure systems.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a plan to roll out “the next fault-tolerant science and technology computer” by 2028. The material also notes that, for quantum encryption, the next step will be required by 2030 or 2031, so that a large-scale system can be built by 2035.

Meanwhile, the standard for post-quantum cryptography is expected to be finalized in 2024, and FIPS 203–205 will be finalized. Quantum encryption is a set of public-key cryptography algorithms designed to replace current encryption methods and ensure protection of data transmission and storage after 2030s. The reason this is being done is that the companies’ “migration” program requires replacing the underlying infrastructure process.

In the meantime, a new approach to post-quantum cryptography is being developed, called “slipstreaming,” which will be used to secure data. Their advantage is that the security properties of cryptography can be maintained even if the attackers have quantum computers. However, there is a risk that the security of current systems may be weakened due to the use of quantum algorithms. That is why the new approach is being developed.

One key aspect of this is that quantum-safe encryption can be used to protect data, and not wait for quantum computers to become widely available. The material also notes that quantum encryption may require changes in infrastructure, but these changes are necessary to ensure continued security. In addition, it is important to consider that quantum encryption may not be compatible with all current systems, so it must be implemented carefully.

Tags: USA/Politics/Technology/AI