Cybersecurity for Quantum Computing

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current state of quantum computing, discusses associated cybersecurity threats, and proposes strategies for protecting quantum systems through threat intelligence and security-by-design principles.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of quantum computing threats and offers practical recommendations for enhancing cybersecurity in quantum technologies.

Findings

Identification of key threat vectors for quantum systems

Proposed best practices for quantum cybersecurity

Recommendations for security by design in quantum hardware and software

Abstract

With rising cyberattack frequency and range, Quantum Computing companies, institutions and research groups may become targets of nation-state actors, cybercriminals and hacktivists for sabotage, espionage and fiscal motivations as the Quantum computing race intensifies. Quantum applications have expanded into commercial, classical information systems and services approaching the necessity to protect their networks, software, hardware and data from digital attacks. This paper discusses the status quo of quantum computing technologies and the quantum threat associated with it. We proceed to outline threat vectors for quantum computing systems and the respective defensive measures, mitigations and best practices to defend against the rapidly evolving threat landscape. We subsequently propose recommendations on how to proactively reduce the cyberattack surface through threat intelligence and by ensuring security by design of quantum software and hardware components.