eetimes.eu, Jun. 03, 2020 –
Quantum computers will make current security mechanisms vulnerable to new types of cyberattacks. The ability of quantum computing to break the cryptographic patterns widely used in data communication systems for the internet of things is a real problem for both chip cards and complex technological systems such as networked vehicles or industrial control systems.
"A quantum computer that could break cryptography would be a powerful tool for attackers," said Thomas Poeppelmann, senior staff engineer at Infineon Technologies.
Thus, with the advent of quantum computers, encryption algorithms are undergoing an evolution. In order to support the security of the internet and other cryptographic-based technologies, mathematical researchers are working to build the cryptography of tomorrow, known as post-quantum or quantum-resistant cryptography.
According to the latest Thales Data Threat Report, 72% of the security experts surveyed worldwide believe that quantum computing power will affect data security technologies within the next five years. Robust and future-proof security solutions are therefore necessary. The potential threats are widespread, affecting everything from the cars of the future to industrial robots.
IoT security
The modern use of cryptography aims to help ensure the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of the data traversing both the consumer and industrial IoT.
"Security requirements of IoT devices can be very complex," said Poeppelmann. "As a result, security cannot be achieved by a single technology or method. For example, a vendor has to consider aspects like secured software development, protected patch management, supply chain security, protection against physical attacks, trust and identity management, and secured communication."