IT in Manufacturing


Quantum computing is not as futuristic as it sounds

January 2025 IT in Manufacturing

The first quantum computer was created almost three decades ago, in 1998. Yet the topic still seems to elicit images of ‘Back to the Future’ for most. While its applications are still unknown to many, this advanced field combines computer science, physics and mathematics to deliver solutions the world has been trying to find for aeons – and those it doesn’t yet know it needs.

Rivalling classical computers and coming out on top, quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to find fast and complete answers to complex problems. According to Carrie Peter, managing director at Impression Signatures and Advocacy Committee vice-chair at the Cloud Signature Consortium, although it sounds futuristic, quantum computing is advancing at a rapid rate – certainly faster than expected. Today, many countries are already in possession of their own quantum computers, with quantum computing even being available as a SaaS solution.

As is the case with most technological developments, the opportunities offered by quantum computing are equalled by the threats this advanced computer science introduces. “The evolution of quantum computing puts the security of any data available in the digital space in jeopardy,” warns Peter.

IBM recently published an article on quantum computing, noting that “quantum technology will soon be able to solve complex problems that supercomputers can’t solve, or can’t solve fast enough”. But what if the problem it’s trying to solve is breaking through security firewalls or encryptions?

“This poses a massive threat to encryption, as a quantum computer could decrypt traditional encryption in a fraction of the time it does today. While this surely won’t halt the evolution of the quantum computer, it does mean that security must be bolstered,” adds Peter. Thankfully, global standards and security bodies have been hard at work developing and testing a new set of post-quantum encryption algorithms, with the first three standards being released on 13 August 2024.

As published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), these new standards include the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 203, intended as the primary standard for general encryption; FIPS 204, intended as the primary standard for protecting digital signatures; and FIPS 205, also designed for digital signatures and employing the Sphincs+ algorithm.

In parallel, as standards and security measures are fortified against the threats of quantum computing, it is essential that organisations begin paying attention to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). “Somewhat short-sightedly, many business leaders are countering the argument for PQC with the misguided belief that we are years away from commercially available quantum computers,” says Peter. “The reality is that these computers are already being miniaturised, and will likely come to market much sooner than expected.”

Additionally, putting PQC measures in place now will protect data from nefarious strategies such as Store-Now Decrypt-Later (SNDL). This cyberthreat entails the storing of large amounts of encrypted data now, with the intention of decoding and using it later, once quantum computers become more widely available.

In a recent blog entry, HP put it like this: “A sufficiently powerful quantum computer will break the cryptography we rely on in our digital lives. An attacker can intercept and store encrypted data today, and when quantum computers become feasible, the attacker could decrypt the stored data.”

Lastly, Peter motivated that companies need to start thinking about PQC now, because some devices (such as cars) that are being produced today will most certainly be on the road when quantum computing is proliferated. “In 2023, the US government already put out a mandate that companies must transition onto PQC as soon as possible. Now, with the release of the new standards it is critical to take the need to transition onto PQC seriously.”

Of course, with many global standards being incorporated into these algorithms, any standards-based organisation or solution (such as digital signature providers) will be forced to adopt and comply with PQC. This means that for users of these solutions the switch to the more secure standard will be seamless.

However, it is important for companies to note that encryption is only as good as the authentication they apply while using encryption. “For organisations to guarantee that they are secure, they must ensure appropriate access management, authentication, and zero trust within their organisations.”

For more information contact Carrie Peter, Impression Signatures, +27 71 881 9241, www.impression-signatures.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Looking into the future of machine vision
Omron Electronics IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.

Read more...
Driving digital transformation in the truck industry
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.

Read more...
Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.

Read more...
Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.

Read more...
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.

Read more...
Predicting and preventing cyber-attacks with AI and generative AI
IT in Manufacturing
The speed at which cyber threats are evolving is unprecedented. As a result, companies need to implement state-of-the-art technology to protect their data and systems.

Read more...
Real-world lessons in digital transformation
IT in Manufacturing
Synthesis has helped businesses across multiple industries with their digital transformation by solving their unique integration challenges.

Read more...
Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.

Read more...
Immersion cooling systems for data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The demand for data centres in Africa is growing. The related need for increasing rack densities brings with it escalating cooling requirements.

Read more...
Transforming pulp and paper with automation and digitalisation
ABB South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The pulp and paper industry in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation from traditional manual processes to embracing automation technologies. Automation in pulp and paper mills aims to improve various production stages, from raw material preparation to final product creation.

Read more...