Cyber-Physical Defense in the Quantum Era

TL;DR

This paper explores the impact of quantum computing on cyber-physical defense, proposing a new paradigm that leverages quantum and machine learning techniques to enhance detection and response in networked control systems.

Contribution

It introduces a conceptual framework for quantum-enabled cyber-physical defense, emphasizing the need for paradigm shifts and integrating AI and quantum ideas for improved security.

Findings

Quantum advantage may empower adversaries unless defenders adopt quantum strategies.

Next-generation defense layers can leverage quantum computing and machine learning.

Defenders can learn and adapt strategies to mitigate quantum-enabled attacks.

Abstract

Networked-Control Systems (NCSs), a type of cyber-physical systems, consist of tightly integrated computing, communication and control technologies. While being very flexible environments, they are vulnerable to computing and networking attacks. Recent NCSs hacking incidents had major impact. They call for more research on cyber-physical security. Fears about the use of quantum computing to break current cryptosystems make matters worse. While the quantum threat motivated the creation of new disciplines to handle the issue, such as post-quantum cryptography, other fields have overlooked the existence of quantum-enabled adversaries. This is the case of cyber-physical defense research, a distinct but complementary discipline to cyber-physical protection. Cyber-physical defense refers to the capability to detect and react in response to cyber-physical attacks. Concretely, it involves the integration of mechanisms to identify adverse events and prepare response plans, during and after incidents occur. In this paper, we make the assumption that the eventually available quantum computer will provide an advantage to adversaries against defenders, unless they also adopt this technology. We envision the necessity for a paradigm shift, where an increase of adversarial resources because of quantum supremacy does not translate into higher likelihood of disruptions. Consistently with current system design practices in other areas, such as the use of artificial intelligence for the reinforcement of attack detection tools, we outline a vision for next generation cyber-physical defense layers leveraging ideas from quantum computing and machine learning. Through an example, we show that defenders of NCSs can learn and improve their strategies to anticipate and recover from attacks.