The World Economic Forum (The Forum), in collaboration with Deloitte, released actionable guidance to help protect organizations during the rapid development of quantum computing technology. The Quantum Readiness Toolkit provides specific guidance in line with the overall framework presented in last year’s flagship report, “Transitioning to a Quantum-Secure Economy.”
“The Forum has developed specific messaging for executive leaders to help mitigate quantum risk. This is important as many discussions on this topic get bogged down about when a quantum computer will be available to mount these types of attacks. The dialog should be much more about preparing today while you still have time so that quantum risk can be methodically mitigated and businesses can continue to thrive without fear of disruption,” says Colin Soutar, Managing Director and Deloitte co-lead for WEF Quantum Security support, Deloitte US.
Advancements in quantum computing have the potential for systemic cybersecurity risk, whether through increased breaches of sensitive health and financial personal data, compromised private communications, or forged digital versions of information, identities and sensitive data. The new paper, “Quantum Readiness Toolkit: Building a Quantum Secure Economy,” outlines five principles businesses and organizations should follow when building their quantum security readiness. These include:
- Ensuring the organizational governance structure institutionalizes quantum risk: Effectively enforce change through embedding quantum readiness transition efforts within the organization.
- Raising quantum risk awareness throughout the organization: Avoid fear-focused conversations and help leaders stay informed about advances in quantum threats.
- Treating and prioritizing quantum risk alongside existing cyber risks: Use existing cyber risk management methods to help mitigate the quantum threat.
- Making strategic decisions for future technology adoption: Assess the current technological infrastructure, invest in new, emerging technologies and consider novel concepts like crypto-agility.
- Encouraging collaboration across ecosystems: Collaborate with other organizations to identify systemic risks throughout the ecosystem.
Protecting our digital economy and data from quantum computer attacks requires a cohesive, cross-border approach that integrates government support with individual organizations’ support as they test strategies and identify what works. With the timeline to prepare for quantum computing threats shrinking, businesses should take a multi-pronged approach, including empowering the quantum cybersecurity team with executive support and mandates, upskilling talent, and requiring quantum security provisions in new or renewed product contracts.
“As we make rapid strides towards the quantum era, it is crucial for leaders to ensure that security risks don’t come in the way of realizing the transformative potential of the technology,” says Akshay Joshi, Head of Industry and Partnerships, Centre for Cybersecurity, World Economic Forum.
To view the full report, please visit https://www.weforum.org/whitepapers/quantum-readiness-toolkit-building-a-quantum-secure-economy