Forbes: Satellite Risk From Quantum Computers

Skip Sanzeri / Forbes / 5 May 2023

Forbes Technology Council Is An Invitation-Only Organization For Senior-Level Technology Executives.

In December of last year, the Quantum Cybersecurity Preparedness Act was signed into law, which states that all federal agencies need to start the upgrade process to quantum-safe cryptography. So, our federal agencies that operate satellites, or use them for data transmission, will need to start assessing vulnerabilities to quantum computers and upgrade to quantum-safe cryptography. Commercial satellite operators will need to follow suit since our federal government is highly reliant on commercial satellites and data. According to the US Government Accountability Office, “U.S. government policy is to maximize the use of commercial space capabilities.” The good news is that we have quantum-safe technology today available for both government and commercial, and the upgrade does not require a quantum computer to secure data transmissions. Government and commercial enterprises in the satellite/space industry should investigate quantum-safe solutions right away.