IBM comes up with quantum-safe cryptography services

IBM plans to introduce cryptographic encryption in 2020 that is also secure for quantum computers. The company also wants to make quantum-safe algorithms available through the open source community.

Since IBM wants to make a profit with its quantum computers in a few years’ time, it is useful if the technology is safe for customers. Therefore, the company has made a number of announcements in the field of quantum computing.

Quantum Risk Assessment is a webinar that helps customers to assess the extent of their risks regarding the effects of quantum computers on their business or organization. In addition, IBM has developed a prototype of a quantum secure tape drive for storage purposes. The steps IBM is taking to ensure quantum security come a few years after IBM Q, the cloud-based quantum computing service. IBM Q System One has been commercially available as a cloud service since early 2019. According to InsideHPC, users have so far conducted more than 28 million experiments and simulations with IBM Q.

Quantum Safety Services

From 2020, the IBM Cloud will offer several quantum security services. The active data of users of the IBM Cloud will also become quantum secure, thanks to better TLS/SSL protocols. This will be done by using quantum-safe algorithms. “To prepare for the impact that quantum computers are expected to have on data security, IBM Research has developed cryptographic algorithms designed to address the potential security risks of quantum computers,” reports Vadim Lyubashevsky, cryptographer at IBM Research.

IBM also wants to train security professionals and managers in quantum secure cryptography. IBM Research has introduced a Security Subscription service for this purpose. The service offers reports and seminars every three months. The service should increase awareness and knowledge of quantum computing and of the risks it creates.