Quantum computing is one of the evolving fields within computer science. It leverages benefits from physics, mathematics, and quantum principles in order to develop a computer with capabilities not ever witnessed before. Such a computer is based on complex physics and is able to store and process data in units of "qubits" that enable electronics or photons to be available in more than one state simultaneously. A distinguishing characteristic of a quantum computer is its ability to perform certain calculations and solve or simulate complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. From a governmental perspective, such a technology is a double-edged sword. A quantum computer that is able to break public-key cryptography may pose threats due to its potential to leak confidential and sensitive government information. On the other hand, quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution can lead to a secured communication where exchanged data are secured against cyber-attacks. Despite the absence of a fully realized quantum computer model, governments worldwide recognize the substantial potential of quantum technology to drive economic development and safeguard critical national security data, they have actively positioned themselves in the race to advance quantum technology. This survey reviews the research and development of several branches of quantum computing used for critical national infrastructures. It aims to map potential use cases of quantum computing with critical national infrastructure applications. The survey is divided into two main sections, namely, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum networks, where each of these is further reviewed from different angles. This includes opportunities and challenges quantum computing can pose for governmental communications. Also, it reviews the advancement of quantum satellites and quantum drones for establishing a reliable quantum network. In addition, it touches on the use of quantum technologies within the realm of space. From the reviewed studies in this survey, it is concluded that despite the substantial effort and research in the quantum computing field, the practical integration of quantum computing into national infrastructure needs to be further studied to assess its implementation feasibility.
Quantum computing is one of the evolving fields within computer science. It leverages benefits from physics, mathematics, and quantum principles in order to develop a computer with capabilities not ever witnessed before. Such a computer is based on complex physics and is able to store and process data in units of "qubits" that enable electronics or photons to be available in more than one state simultaneously. A distinguishing characteristic of a quantum computer is its ability to perform certain calculations and solve or simulate complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. From a governmental perspective, such a technology is a double-edged sword. A quantum computer that is able to break public-key cryptography may pose threats due to its potential to leak confidential and sensitive government information. On the other hand, quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution can lead to a secured communication where exchanged data are secured against cyber-attacks. Despite the absence of a fully realized quantum computer model, governments worldwide recognize the substantial potential of quantum technology to drive economic development and safeguard critical national security data, they have actively positioned themselves in the race to advance quantum technology. This survey reviews the research and development of several branches of quantum computing used for critical national infrastructures. It aims to map potential use cases of quantum computing with critical national infrastructure applications. The survey is divided into two main sections, namely, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum networks, where each of these is further reviewed from different angles. This includes opportunities and challenges quantum computing can pose for governmental communications. Also, it reviews the advancement of quantum satellites and quantum drones for establishing a reliable quantum network. In addition, it touches on the use of quantum technologies within the realm of space. From the reviewed studies in this survey, it is concluded that despite the substantial effort and research in the quantum computing field, the practical integration of quantum computing into national infrastructure needs to be further studied to assess its implementation feasibility.
Quantum technology is an emerging and possibly revolutionary field, capable of impacting several human efforts. Quantum technologies are dual-use, attracting interest from the defense, security, military, and governmental sectors. Previous research has highlighted the substantial benefits of using quantum computing systems across several domains. These systems have previously exhibited the capability to accelerate processing in critical domains, such as big integer factorization, relative to their traditional equivalents. The fundamental significance of quantum factoring has been proven for cryptography. This will render RSA encryption, a widely used encryption method based on the inability of computer systems to factor huge integers, effectively useless. Nonetheless, overcoming encryption is not the only potential use or benefit of quantum computing for national defense and security-related objectives. This review paper explores the emerging role of quantum computing in the military and defense sectors. It highlights the significance of recent advancements in quantum technologies for defense applications and provides an overview of defense-focused quantum research. A comprehensive literature survey examined various existing quantum computing techniques relevant to military use. The paper also presents a comparative analysis of these approaches, discusses key challenges, and outlines potential future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
Quantum computing, a transformative leap in computational science, is rapidly emerging as a disruptive force capable of reshaping the foundational pillars of cybersecurity and cryptography. Unlike classical computing, which relies on binary states, quantum computing utilizes quantum bits (qubits), leveraging the principles of superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. This paradigm shift poses a dual-edged impact on the field of cybersecurity: it offers unparalleled potential for advancing secure communication through quantum cryptographic protocols such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), while simultaneously threatening the integrity of classical encryption methods like RSA and ECC, which could be rendered obsolete by quantum algorithms like Shor's and Grover's. This paper explores the current state of quantum computing, its implications for existing cryptographic infrastructures, and the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. It also examines governmental and institutional responses to the quantum threat, including NIST's ongoing PQC standardization efforts, and the development of hybrid cryptographic models that combine quantumresistant algorithms with classical security measures. Furthermore, the study discusses ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and the importance of global cooperation in transitioning to a quantum-secure digital future. As quantum technology progresses from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, cybersecurity must evolve in tandem to address both its promises and perils.
A new paradigm in computing called quantum computing has the potential to change many industries, including the military and government. The purpose of this study is to examine the applications, opportunities, difficulties, and prospects of quantum computing in these fields. The paper provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum computing, highlighting its distinctions from conventional computing, and discussing a range of quantum computing technologies. It examines the present and foreseeable uses of quantum computing in government and defense, including high-performance computing, cybersecurity and encryption, intelligence and surveillance, and logistics. Additionally, it looks at how quantum computing might advance national security, facilitate better decision-making, and speed up research and development. Also, it discusses issues with quantum computing, such as its exorbitant cost, security issues as well as a trained personnel shortage. The paper concludes by examining the potential applications of quantum computing in these fields, including their integration with conventional computing systems, the research and development of quantum technologies, public-private sector partnerships, and their potential to spur innovation and alter military and governmental operations. The report comes to the conclusion that, despite the difficulties, quantum computing holds great promise for transforming the public and defense sectors. More research and development are essential to accomplish this promise.
The advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to contemporary cryptographic systems underpinning national security infrastructures globally. Classical public-key cryptographic algorithms such as RSA and ECC, which secure communications, data storage, and critical infrastructure, are vulnerable to quantum attacks, particularly through Shor’s algorithm. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) aims to develop quantum-resistant cryptographic primitives to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authentication in the quantum era. This article explores the implications of PQC adoption for national security, including the challenges of transitioning legacy systems, potential vulnerabilities during migration, and the strategic importance of standardizing PQC protocols to safeguard military, governmental, and critical infrastructure communications. The article also discusses policy recommendations for governments to mitigate emerging quantum risks.
In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, the rise of quantum computing poses both opportunities and challenges to network security. While quantum computers promise to revolutionize data processing and problem-solving, they also render traditional cryptographic protocols vulnerable, threatening the integrity of current network security systems. Quantum cryptography, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), emerges as a groundbreaking solution, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure unparalleled data security. Unlike classical methods, QKD guarantees secure communication by detecting eavesdropping attempts, as any observation of quantum states disrupts their integrity. This paper explores the pivotal role of quantum cryptography in shaping future network security protocols amidst a landscape of increasing cyber threats. It provides a comprehensive analysis of QKD systems, their integration into existing infrastructure, and their resilience against potential quantum-based attacks. The discussion includes real-world implementations, such as satellite-based QKD networks and fiber-optic quantum communication systems, illustrating their practical viability and scalability. Furthermore, the paper addresses current challenges, including cost, technical complexity, and interoperability with classical networks, offering insights into ongoing research aimed at overcoming these hurdles. As global reliance on digital infrastructure grows, the transition to quantum-resilient security frameworks becomes imperative. Policymakers, industry leaders, and technology developers must collaborate to advance quantum cryptographic technologies and ensure their accessibility. By securing communication channels against both classical and quantum threats, quantum cryptography is positioned to redefine the foundations of network security, paving the way for a more secure and interconnected digital future.
Advancements in computer technologies have been evolving in order to provide new services or to improve recent computing performance. Applications of computer technologies to several real-world domains are becoming more realistic and efficient. Two challenges are taken into consideration when applying such technologies including more complicated user requirements and exponential growth of data. In the real world, which is driven by business, achieving user requirements is one promising way of yielding competitive advantages. Moreover, time constraints are also crucial for corporate users. Apart from structured data, unstructured data have been significantly generated via several platforms. Such aspects make data processing more demanding. Quantum technology, which is instantiated in physics, has been utilized in various fields including computer science. Even the real quantum computer is still in its early development, but other concepts such as quantum information and quantum computing are making progress. Furthermore, some quantum-based algorithms have been analytically proven to have higher performance compared to the traditional ones. According to such important milestones, quantum computing has been regarded as one of the key infrastructures of future computing. This paper aims to focus on the main aspects of quantum computing including its backgrounds and recent advancement to provide a clearer picture. Its recent applications to intelligent system enhancement, cybersecurity and cryptography empowerment, and finance are addressed. Several key ideas, and opportunities of quantum computing utilization are also outlined based upon systematic reviews of existing works and case studies. Moreover, comparative analysis between classical and quantum computing in terms of core principles, computational efficiency, and practical feasibility is given. Better understanding and proper preparation of applying quantum computing are thus achieved.