A First Order Survey of Quantum Supply Dynamics and Threat Landscapes

TL;DR

This paper provides an initial overview of the quantum computing supply chain, identifying potential security vulnerabilities and attack models, emphasizing the importance of security scrutiny in this emerging technology ecosystem.

Contribution

It offers a first comprehensive survey of quantum supply chain components and highlights security risks and defenses, a novel perspective in quantum computing research.

Findings

Identified key components of quantum supply chain

Uncovered potential vulnerabilities and attack models

Suggested security defenses for quantum systems

Abstract

Quantum computing, with its transformative computational potential, is gaining prominence in the technological landscape. As a new and exotic technology, quantum computers involve innumerable Intellectual Property (IP) in the form of fabrication recipe, control electronics and software techniques, to name a few. Furthermore, complexity of quantum systems necessitates extensive involvement of third party tools, equipment and services which could risk the IPs and the Quality of Service and enable other attack surfaces. This paper is a first attempt to explore the quantum computing ecosystem, from the fabrication of quantum processors to the development of specialized software tools and hardware components, from a security perspective. By investigating the publicly disclosed information from industry front runners like IBM, Google, Honeywell and more, we piece together various components of quantum computing supply chain. We also uncover some potential vulnerabilities and attack models and suggest defenses. We highlight the need to scrutinize the quantum computing supply chain further through the lens of security.