NATO cybersecurity center finishes tests of quantum-proof network

(ZDNet) ZDNet’s Jonathan Greig reports that NATO Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has completed its test run of secure communication flows that could withstand attackers using quantum computing. IQT-News summarizes the article.

Konrad Wrona, principal scientist at the NCSC, told ZDNet that it is becoming increasingly important to create protection schemes against current and future threats. “Securing NATO’s communications for the quantum era is paramount to our ability to operate effectively without fear of interception,” Wrona said.
“The trial started in March 2021. The trial was completed in early 2022. Quantum computing is becoming more and more affordable, scalable and practical. The threat of ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ is one all organizations, including NATO, are preparing to respond to.”
The NCSC, which is run by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency), protects NATO networks around the clock and works with UK company Post-Quantum to conduct the test. Allied Command Transformation’s VISTA framework financed the project.
The NCSC, which is run by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency), protects NATO networks around the clock and works with UK company Post-Quantum to conduct the test. Allied Command Transformation’s VISTA framework financed the project.
Post-Quantum provides organizations with different algorithms to ensure security even if attackers are using quantum computing. A VPN can use algorithms to secure communications, ensuring that only the correct recipient can read the data, the company claimed.
Wrona said the NCSC does not have a follow-on contract with Post-Quantum but sees the potential of technologies like what Post-Quantum offers and will continue to look into the technology.

Sandra K. Helsel, Ph.D. has been researching and reporting on frontier technologies since 1990.  She has her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.