While today's digital era is unlocking opportunities for progress on multiple levels, it also ushered in a cybercrime epidemic. In Singapore, for example, we have seen a dramatic rise in scam cases, which surged almost 50% in 2023, according to the Singapore Police.
This reflects a burgeoning global crisis. My reading included reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL both highlighting the alarming trend of criminals leveraging anonymity tools and virtual currencies to elude detection and prosecution.
Indeed, the rising digital adoption rate in Southeast Asia, coupled with the borderless nature of cybercrime, makes the region a prime target for criminal activity. GSMA Intelligence's findings in "The Mobile Economy Southeast Asia 2023" and data from ASEANstats confirm a booming mobile internet user base.
In response, the Singaporean government has proactively launched measures to safeguard its digital networks, including a pioneering initiative to establish Southeast Asia's first Quantum-Safe Network (QSN) infrastructure.
Undoubtedly, the plan to launch Southeast Asia's first QSN infrastructure, backed by a strong MoU with industry leaders like Singtel, is a game-changer. This initiative not only positions Singapore as a leader in digital security innovation, but it also sets the stage for businesses to leverage the power of quantum-safe technologies, ensuring a more secure digital future for all, one that starts today.
Unmasking the complexity of digital threats
Although today's digital threats are increasingly challenging, they can often be managed through preventive measures like data encryption. However, the landscape is poised to change dramatically shortly with the advent of quantum computing.
Quantum computing promises to revolutionise data handling processes but also poses significant risks for industry leaders.
Quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement could potentially break through current encryption protocols, making existing security measures obsolete.
Briefly, superposition holds that a quantum particle can exist in multiple states at the same time - much like a spinning coin before it lands, and therefore is both heads and tails at the same time in some ways. Entanglement is a phenomenon where two quantum particles become instantly linked, regardless of the distance between them - as if they are held together by an invisible thread. Their fates are intertwined.
Experts predict that cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs), capable of rendering current encryption useless, will emerge around 2030, a time referred to as "Q-Day".
While the availability of the CRQC may come in the near term, threat actors are already preparing for Q-Day. Many are collecting encrypted data from target organizations today and storing it so that it can be decrypted when the evolution of quantum computing delivers a CRQC capable of rendering some existing cryptographic algorithms obsolete. The industry refers to this ongoing activity as harvest now, and decrypt later (HNDL).
As digital threats become more complex, I believe it is crucial that we put in place network security solutions for critical infrastructure industries and governments that can evolve to meet these new challenges. Proactive measures must be taken to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computing.
Envisioning Singapore's future with QSN technologies
Despite the risks associated with quantum computing, the technology also offers limitless opportunities for enhancing mission-critical infrastructures.
Quantum sensing, for instance, can drive significant advancements in sectors like aerospace and defence, providing more accurate advance warnings and improving disaster preparedness for emergency services. This, in turn, enhances resilience and response times in critical situations.
I find quantum sensing an exciting and rapidly evolving field. This taps the unique properties of quantum mechanics to manifest incredibly sensitive and precise sensors using the core principles we talked about earlier - superposition and entanglement.
Quantum computing also promises increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in industries such as mining, oil, and gas. By enabling precise determination of drilling locations, quantum technologies can reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
Recognising these opportunities, the Singaporean government has taken active steps to develop quantum technologies.
Earlier this year, the government announced plans to invest $23.5 million in three national platforms under its Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP). This investment will help boost national capabilities in quantum computing by developing relevant skillsets and quantum devices.
In addition, Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has signed an MoU with Korea's National Information Society Agency (NIA) to collaborate on quantum technology and standards.
I expect that this partnership will create a valuable platform for the exchange of insights and experiences among network operators, fostering the implementation of quantum-safe networks today and tomorrow.
Fast-Tracking QSN Deployment: Building Resilience for Q-Day
While the possibilities offered by quantum computing are astounding, it must be paired with Quantum-Safe Networks (QSN) to protect against quantum hacking.
In the CRQC era, malicious actors could potentially cripple mission-critical networks like power grids and water utility systems in seconds, with life-threatening consequences.
With some scientists now predicting that Q-Day may arrive even sooner than originally projected, businesses and governments must engage trusted technology partners now to ensure digital readiness and resilience before it is too late. Committed to building a secure digital future for all, Nokia is in the vanguard of research on quantum computing and advocates for the adoption of quantum-safe network solutions. Some examples from around the world include:
Taking Action: Securing our Digital Future
When we take the big picture view, the quantum technology era presents both significant opportunities and substantial risks for businesses and governments.
To navigate this landscape successfully, proactive engagement and investment in quantum-safe networks are essential.
Industries must prioritise quantum safety by understanding its importance and investing in the necessary technologies early.
By embracing the development of quantum-safe networks, businesses can protect their digital infrastructure against future threats, ensuring operational continuity and security.
Governments, too, play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to quantum technology advancements, supporting research, development, and collaboration on a global scale.
Looking forward, I hold that Quantum-Safe Networks are the bedrock of today's and tomorrow's infrastructure, providing a robust defence against impending quantum threats. With Nokia's pioneering advances in quantum computing and commitment to quantum safety, we can together build a secure digital future.
The post titled "Quantum-Safe Networks are the bedrock of infrastructure, today and tomorrow" was authored by Ngiam Ming Kin, Head of SEA South, Network Infrastructure Sales, Nokia
About the author
Ming Kin Ngiam is the Head of SEA South, Network Infrastructure Sales, Nokia, where he oversees the company's business and operations in the region.
Ming Kin has held several leadership positions in Nokia during the past 15 years, including solutions, sales and operations. He has a proven track record of leading high-performance teams and cultivating strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable business success.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Ming Kin is passionate about volunteering and sports.
Based in Singapore, Ming Kin holds a Bachelor in Engineering from the University of Birmingham, U.K. and graduated with a Diploma in Management from the Singapore Institute of Management.
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