Global expert urges Hong Kong companies to adopt quantum cryptography to improve security
Dr Michele Mosca says using the ‘unbreakable keys’ between two parties as well today’s cybersecurity technology is best protection firms can have
One of the world’s foremost cybersecurity experts is warning companies in Hong Kong, particularly financial institutions, to review their methods of detecting online security breaches and should consider implementing so-called “quantum cryptography” to keep critical data and infrastructure safe.
Dr Michele Mosca, a co-founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo in Canada, is warning that emerging technology threatens to undermine even the most sophisticated cybersecurity systems installed by businesses and governments.
Using quantum cryptography is expected to help organisations buttress their cybersecurity systems.
It allows users to generate an unbreakable key between two parties exchanging information via the use of quantum particles.
“Quantum computing will break some of the fundamental tools underpinning cybersecurity,” he said, pointing out that scalable quantum computers are now closer to reality, which makes it imperative for enterprises in Hong Kong to adopt more advanced cryptographic techniques.
“As a data centre hub, Hong Kong needs to convince its customers that the data stored is not going to be read in the next 20 years, that it is safe doing business in Hong Kong now and in future,” said Mosca, who is also a special advisor on cybersecurity to the Global Risk Institute in Toronto.