Assessment of Risk and Impact of Quantum Computing Technology and Efforts to Ensure Encrypted Digital Records and Communications Networks Remain Secure
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Tan Wu Meng’s inquiry regarding the risks of quantum computing to contemporary encryption and the Government’s plans to secure digital records and communications networks. Minister Josephine Teo highlighted long-term investments in quantum research, including the establishment of the Centre for Quantum Technologies and the new National Quantum Office. She noted that the Government is monitoring international post-quantum cryptography standards and has launched the National Quantum-Safe Network to trial technologies like Quantum Key Distribution. Additionally, the Ministry of Communications and Information, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, and Infocomm Media Development Authority are collaborating on quantum-safe approaches for digital security. These measures aim to ensure that Singapore’s communications and records remain protected against potential breakthroughs in quantum computing technology.
Transcript
21 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) whether the Government has conducted any studies on the impact of quantum computing technology; (b) if so, what is the Government's assessment of the risk and potential time horizon of quantum computing rendering contemporary traditional encryption algorithms obsolete and vulnerable; and (c) what are the Government's plans to ensure encrypted digital records and communications networks will remain secure even in the event of a breakthrough in quantum computing.
Mrs Josephine Teo: The field of quantum computing is relatively nascent. Quantum computers are expected to be able to solve certain types of complex calculations faster than conventional computers today and can benefit various sectors, including the healthcare and biomedical sector for drug development. To reap these opportunities, Singapore has made steady investments in quantum research and development over the past two decades, including the establishment of Centre for Quantum Technologies as a Research Centre of Excellence. This year, the National Quantum Office was set up in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research to further advance Singapore's quantum technologies, talent and ecosystem development.
There is growing international interest in the potential risk of quantum computing to cryptography, which would affect digital authentication and communications. The US' National Institute of Standards and Technology has been leading efforts to standardise post-quantum cryptography, which we are monitoring. In Singapore, the National Quantum-Safe Network was launched this year as a nationwide testbed to trial and assess commercial quantum-safe technologies, such as Quantum Key Distribution. Beyond that, MCI, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Information and Media Development Authority are working with other relevant agencies to develop quantum-safe approaches for the continued security of digital communications and records.