The Evolution of the Post-Quantum Cyber Environment

• Published in: Georgetown journal of international affairs Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 137 - 145
• Main Author: Vermeer, Michael J. D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Johns Hopkins University Press 01-09-2023
• Subjects: Algorithms; Computers; Cryptography; Cybersecurity; Digital signatures; Electronic warfare; Geopolitics; Machine learning; Materials science; Mathematical problems; Migration; National security; Public Key Infrastructure; Quantum computing; R&D; Research & development; Standardization; United States > US
• ISSN: 1526-0054; 2471-8831; 2471-8831
• DOI: 10.1353/gia.2023.a913639

Quantum computers are expected to one day be capable of breaking public key cryptography, enabling a step change in cyberwarfare capabilities. Risk can be mitigated using new quantum-resistant cryptography algorithms, but the international migration to a new cryptography standard will be time-consuming, costly, and dependent on the work of international standards-developing organizations. Technical standards are increasingly a focus of geopolitical competition, as China has attempted to manipulate standards organizations to tilt standards in their favor. Contrasting national approaches to this competition could significantly impact the evolution of the post-quantum cyber environment. The United States should continue its domestic efforts to migrate to a new cryptography standard, pursue international standardization, and maintain a measured strategy to counter interference from China in open standardization processes.