Quantum Communication for Post-Pandemic Cybersecurity
Martin C. Libicki, David C. Gompert
Abstract
Current approaches to cybersecurity will become increasingly inadequate as the use of networks grows and hacking becomes more skilled. One response to this problem lies in quantum technologies. In particular, the extreme sensitivity of quantum communication makes interference readily detectable and can provide secure encryption-key distribution. However, this is likely to benefit primarily high-value networks that use encryption, leaving insecure the growing use of mass networks for distributed work. The options to approaching this conundrum are (1) to accept where quantum technology leads, (2) to accelerate the technology in general without regard to how it is used, or (3) to push the technology to include mass use. We recommend a public-private strategy for the United States and its allies to effect both high-end and mass use. <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">11</sup> The authors would especially like to acknowledge Professor Nathalie de Leon of the Princeton Quantum Initiative, Princeton University, whose input on quantum science has been invaluable. Errors in this paper are, of course, ours.