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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Preparing cybersecurity now for a quantum world | Quantum Computing | Quantum CyberSecurity | Quantum Malware


What is quantum computing?

Quantum computers could spur the development of new breakthroughs in science, medications to save lives, machine learning methods to diagnose illnesses sooner, materials to make more efficient devices and structures, financial strategies to live well in retirement, and algorithms to quickly direct resources such as ambulances.

 

 

Quantum computing fundamentals

All computing systems rely on a fundamental ability to store and manipulate information. Current computers manipulate individual bits, which store information as binary 0 and 1 states. Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanical phenomena to manipulate information. To do this, they rely on quantum bits, or qubits. 

 

Look inside a quantum computer

In order to work with qubits for extended periods of time, they must be kept very cold. Any heat in the system can introduce error, which is why quantum computers are designed to create and operate at temperatures near absolute zero.

Here’s a look at how a quantum computer’s dilution refrigerator, made from more than 2,000 components, exploits the mixing properties of two helium isotopes to create such an environment for the qubits inside.

1 Qubit Signal Amplifier

 
One of two amplifying stages is cooled to a temperature of 4 Kelvin.

2 Input Microwave Lines

 
Attenuation is applied at each stage in the refrigerator in order to protect qubits from thermal noise during the process of sending control and readout signals to the processor.

3 Superconducting Coaxial Lines

 
In order to minimize energy loss, the coaxial lines that direct signals between the first and second amplifying stages are made out of superconductors.

4 Cryogenic Isolators

 
Cryogenic isolators enable qubits signals to go forward while preventing noise from compromising qubit quality.

5 Quantum Amplifiers

 
Quantum amplifiers inside of a magnetic shield capture and amplify processor readout signals while minimizing noise.

6 Cryoperm Shield

 
The quantum processor sits inside a shield that protects it from electromagnetic radiation in order to preserve its quality.

7 Mixing Chamber

 
The mixing chamber at the lowest part of the refrigerator provides the necessary cooling power to bring the processor and associated components down to a temperature of 15 mK — colder than outer space. 

 

Preparing cybersecurity now for a quantum world

Large-scale quantum computers will significantly expand computing power, creating new opportunities for improving cybersecurity. Quantum-era cybersecurity will wield the power to detect and deflect quantum-era cyberattacks before they cause harm. But it could become a double-edged sword, as quantum computing may also create new exposures, such as the ability to quickly solve the difficult math problems that are the basis of some forms of encryption. While post-quantum cryptography standards are still being finalized, businesses and other organizations can start preparing today.  

For More details : https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/5VGKQ63M


Quantum Malware

When quantum communication networks proliferate they will likely be subject to a new type of attack: by hackers, virus makers, and other malicious intruders. Here we introduce the concept of "quantum malware" to describe such human-made intrusions. We offer a simple solution for storage of quantum information in a manner which protects quantum networks from quantum malware. This solution involves swapping the quantum information at random times between the network and isolated, distributed ancillas. It applies to arbitrary attack types, provided the protective operations are themselves not compromised. 

Ref : https://arxiv.org/pdf/quant-ph/0505126.pdf

 

How to start Programming with Quantum Computing?

Programming a Quantum Computer with Qiskit

 1. signup at https://quantum-computing.ibm.com for lab workout.

2. Study materials  (Open Source Quantum Development ) https://qiskit.org/

2.  Download the lab exercise from below URL. 

Lab Workout