The Intelligence Community (IC) must protect classified data from the threat of a future quantum computer. This requires careful monitoring of the state of the art to know when the threat may be actualized. The IC can also use quantum computers for optimization, logistics, and AI.
Intelligence After Next: Quantum Computing–Quantifying the Current State of the Art to Assess Cybersecurity Threats
Quantum computers represent a new paradigm of computing technologies, with capabilities that go beyond conventional systems. This includes acute cybersecurity threats, such as China using a quantum computer to decode already harvested data, and tactical advantages in optimization, logistics, and AI.
To prepare for the threat it is essential to know the current state of the art and try to make data-driven predictions. This requires having appropriate metrics. Here we discuss the positives and negatives of such metrics concentrating on an IBM-defined metric called Quantum Volume.
Quantum computers are the holy grail of quantum computing and would demonstrate the full ability to control and manipulate quantum systems. Other quantum technologies, such as quantum sensors and quantum communication systems, have less severe requirements. IC investment in these nearer-term quantum technologies, while providing impact in their own right, may also serve as stepping-stones along a path towards quantum computers.
About Intelligence After Next:
MITRE strives to stimulate thought, dialogue, and action for national security leaders developing the plans, policy, and programs to guide the nation. This series of original papers is focused on the issues, policies, capabilities, and concerns of the Intelligence Community’s workforce as it prepares for the future. Our intent is to share our unique insights and perspectives surrounding a significant national security concern, a persistent or emerging threat, or to detail the integrated solutions and enabling technologies needed to ensure the success of the Intelligence Community.
MITRE has published more than 30 Intelligence After Next papers since 2020. Read them here.