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To promote and celebrate World Quantum Day on Monday 15 April the University of Aberdeen is running an online event to raise awareness of, and demonstrate, the transformative power of quantum computing.

Quantum physics is the most fundamental theory we have to describeNature at the level of the elementary particles and forces that constitute our Universe. Join us, as we explore the many dimensions of the quantum realm.

The event is broad and non-technical in nature, and will be of interest to anyone considering a Computing Science degree at any level, or with an interest in the topic generally.

Participants will have the chance to experience first-hand some of the exciting phenomena of the quantum world such as entanglement, superposition, and many more.

Furthermore, participants will gain an understanding of how quantum computing advances and algorithms can be adapted to enrich and further progress existing classical computing problems.

Quantum computing is an exciting future technology that will allow us to solve problems that are effectively impossible for the "classical" computers we use today. These computers have a lot in common with those we know and love, but have special capabilities harnessing the world of quantum entanglement and superposition to solve certain problems in a fraction of the time.

But don't expect to see your laptop replaced by a quantum computer any time soon! They are so sensitive to magnetic and electrical interference that they must be kept inside purpose-built chambers that chill them to near absolute zero temperatures.

Companies such as IBM, Google and Amazon have already built quantum computers, however, and researchers the world over are now beginning their journey toward realising the full potential of this bleeding edge technology, with game-changing applications in machine learning, finance, security, medical research and much more.

Sign up now for this free event to learn and ask questions on this exciting new technology.

Registration is free of charge, please sign up using the link below:

Add this event to your calendar application

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Quantum Computing for Everyone | Events | What's On | The University of Aberdeen - University of Aberdeen

The advent of quantum computing is poised to revolutionize the landscape of cyber attacks. Although not yet fully realized, its imminent arrival warrants keen observation and preparedness for its potential impact on computer security.

The World Economic Forum has recently released the Quantum Readiness Toolkit in 2023, which delves into the rapid progression of quantum development, the proliferation of quantum computers, and the cybersecurity risks they pose. In parallel, the European Policy Centre also unveiled its quantum security agenda in the same year, placing the quantum dialogue squarely within the realm of security concerns. Quantum technology holds the potential to revolutionize various aspects, including cybersecurity.

Martin Potgieter, Co-Founder and Technical Director at Nclose in Cape Town, South Africa, believes that the emergence of quantum computers will revolutionize the landscape of cyber warfare. He states, It will change how computers will be used to attack and defend, potentially cracking cryptographic algorithms at speed. Despite their current experimental and impractical nature, Potgieter anticipates that quantum computers, once mainstream, will bring about exponentially greater computing power.

Professor Bruce Watson, the Director of the

Computational Thinking for AI Group at the Centre for AI Research (CAIR) in Stellenbosch University, South Africa, emphasizes the complexity and high cost associated with building quantum computers. He highlights the need for facilities with liquid nitrogen or liquid helium cooling and vibration-proof infrastructure, which can amount to over $100 million for the lab. Watson also draws a parallel, stating that quantum computing is currently at a stage similar to where classical computing was in the 1960s.

Globally, not just in Africa, some major players in the technology industry are investing heavily in quantum computing. However, the technology and its capabilities are still reminiscent of the grainy photographs of massive computers and stacks of floppy discs from over 70 years ago. The key difference now is that countries like the United States and China have the financial resources to lead the quantum computing initiative.

In Africa, several research labs are currently engaged in quantum experimentation, but none have the capability to build fully functional quantum computers, Watson explains. The primary limitation is the cost involved. Despite the presence of highly skilled scientists and mathematicians who are steadily developing expertise on the continent, we anticipate relying on overseas facilities for the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, it remains crucial to prioritize quantum security on the continent. Similar to the unforeseen consequences of the first computer virus, the Creeper, released in 1971, the advent of quantum computers in the future will bring unexpected challenges.

Potgieter notes that this issue is not specific to any particular region. He suggests that the Southern African Development Community and the African Union should consider prioritizing quantum security on their agenda, if they havent already done so. Despite the numerous challenges facing Africa, this topic warrants high-level discussion due to its significance and complexity.

In the near future, it is highly probable that industries such as finance and healthcare, which stand to gain significantly from the potential of quantum technology, will seek to establish and adhere to protocols and guidelines to safeguard their interests.

According to Jean-Francois Bobier, Partner and Vice President of Deep Tech at Boston Consulting Group, the current regulatory landscape in Africa lacks specific regulations for the banking sector. In Morocco, initial efforts are being spearheaded by prominent banking groups like Attijariwafa Bank, although central banks are facing challenges in enforcing Transport Layer Security (TLS) with traditional cipher algorithms.

It is likely that Africa will adopt the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which are based in the US, and we anticipate that they will mandate the transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2025, he comments. We expect this transition to resemble the Y2K situation, but potentially more challenging due to the widespread use of cryptography, inadequate documentation, and instances of hard-coded applications and certificates.

Quantum security in Africa may not be as advanced as in other regions, but it is recognized as an important facet of computation in the future. Steven Cohen, Managing Director of Triple S Solutions, emphasizes the significance of this issue, stating that the continents diverse economic and technological landscape will lead different countries to engage with quantum security at varying paces and levels of intensity. Given the global nature of digital security and communication, quantum security is a conversation worth having.

Over the next five years, quantum technology is not expected to become mainstream in Africa, but the foundational work undertaken during this period will play a crucial role in shaping the future of quantum technology on the continent.

As Watson asserts, there is a notable absence of significant post-quantum cryptography initiatives or quantum security efforts aimed at developing new algorithms. While there are advocates in Africa emphasizing the necessity for post-quantum cryptography, the majority have yet to realize the urgency of taking proactive measures at present.

Source

Link:
Quantum Computing in Africa: A Journey to the 1960s Era - Tech in Africa

SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --Delinea,a leading provider of solutions that seamlessly extend Privileged Access Management (PAM),today announced industry-first innovation to protect organizations from threats in the post-quantum computing era with the availability of quantum-safe encryption of secrets and credentials on the Delinea Platform. Aligned to NIST standards, quantum-safe encryption on Secret Server empowers organizations to secure critical credentials from being compromised by quantum computers with one of the four NIST-recommended asymmetric algorithms, CRYSTALS-Kyber.

According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), "Quantum computing opens up exciting new possibilities; however, the consequences of this new technology include threats to the current cryptographic standards that ensure data confidentiality and integrity and support key elements of network security." The increased financial investment into quantum technology reached $2.35 billion in 2022, making the prospect of a usable quantum computermore of a potential reality than a futuristic vision. Organizations are encouraged to start preparing for the implementation of post-quantum cryptography and a quantum-readiness roadmap.

Quantum-safe encryption of secrets and credentials in the company's SaaS vault is the latest forward-thinking innovation available on the Delinea Platformto disrupt the status quo. This innovation is an example of usable security integrated into existing Privileged Access Management workflows, effectively reducing the risks associated with quantum computing.

"As quantum computers advance, we see the potential vulnerabilities with existing encryption methods posing a significant risk to data security," said Phil Calvin, Chief Product Officer at Delinea. "Quantum-safe encryption addresses this concern with NIST-recommended algorithms that can resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers."

Mitigating the Risk of Encryption-Busting Attacks

Quantum computers are predicted to have the capability to break many of the encryption algorithms currently used by organizations to secure sensitive data and communications. Quantum-safe encryption combats this concern by ensuring the long-term security of sensitive data, government communications, financial transactions, healthcare records, and other critical information assets. Incorporating quantum-safe encryption into an organization's privileged account security strategy ensures that data remains secure even when quantum computers are available.

Delinea's quantum-safe encryption leverages one of the four NIST-recommended asymmetric algorithms, CRYSTALS-Kyber, and is designed to protect an organization's most sensitive secrets with the least amount of user impact. The new QuantumLock feature, an upgrade of the current DoubleLock capability, serves as an additional layer of security for secrets to protect access, including privileged access for PAM solution administrators. This encryption will ensure valuable data is protected today and tomorrow, aligning with recommendations by CISA and NIST.

Quantum-safe encryption is available for Secret Server now on the Delinea Platform.

For more information, visit delinea.com/products.

About Delinea Delinea is a leading provider of Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions for the modern, hybrid enterprise. The Delinea Platform seamlessly extends PAM by providing authorization for all identities, granting access to an organization's most critical hybrid cloud infrastructure and sensitive data to help reduce risk, ensure compliance, and simplify security. Delinea removes complexity and defines the boundaries of access for thousands of customers worldwide. Our customers range from small businesses to the world's largest financial institutions, intelligence agencies, and critical infrastructure companies.Learn more about Delinea onLinkedIn,Twitter, andYouTube.

Delinea Inc. 2024. Delineais a trademark of Delinea Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Contacts: Brad Shewmake Delinea [emailprotected] +1-408-625-4191

John Kreuzer Lumina Communications [emailprotected] +1-408-963-6418

SOURCE Delinea

Continued here:
Delinea Announces Industry-First Quantum-Safe Encryption to Secure Privileged Accounts in the Post-Quantum ... - PR Newswire

March 19, 2024 Today, leading technology company TRUMPF signed a collaboration agreement with the High-Performance Computing Center of the University of Stuttgart (HLRS). The goal of the agreement is to make large-scale computing capacity available at HLRS for TRUMPF employees.

This cooperation demonstrates that Germany is an industrial center that also has a high-performance digital ecosystem. Using supercomputers, our developers can virtually fine tune machine functions even before the first prototype is created and train AI solutions for our production facilities much faster. This will enable us to innovate more sustainably and efficiently, said TRUMPF CTO Berthold Schmidt.

HLRS will provide access to its supercomputer Hawk, which has a peak performance of 26 petaFLOPS, the equivalent of 26 quadrillion (26 x 1015) computing operations per second. Hawk is among the most powerful computers for industry in Europe. At the end of 2024, HLRSs capabilities will be expanded with the installation of its next-generation supercomputer, Hunter, which will have a peak performance of 39 petaFLOPS.

Hawk and Hunter will support continuing improvements in technologies at TRUMPF. We are proud that our computing power will enable us to continue to support the strength and competitiveness of the Stuttgart economic region, said Prof. Dr. Michael Resch, Director of HLRS. The participants in the partnership also hope to identify new applications of high-performance computing in industry.

Investment in AI and Quantum Computing

TRUMPF uses its own high-performance computers for simpler simulations. More complex tasks that require higher precision, however, are only possible using supercomputers like those at HLRS. One potential application is the simulation of quantum computers, which is so computationally demanding that in the future it will benefit from the acceleration offered by HLRSs supercomputers.

For several years, TRUMPF has offered its customers machine tools that use artificial intelligence to make their work faster and more effective. In the future, the company will expand this range of offerings with new solutions.

About TRUMPF

TRUMPF is a high-tech company offering manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools and laser technology. The company drives digital connectivity in manufacturing through consulting, platform products, and software. TRUMPF is a technology and market leader in highly versatile machine tools for sheet metal processing and in the field of industrial lasers. In 2022/23 the company employed some 18,400 people and generated sales of about 5.4 billion Euros. With over 80 subsidiaries, the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America, South America, and Asia. The company has production facilities in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Mexico, and China. Learn more about TRUMPF at http://www.trumpf.com.

Source: HLRS

Original post:
TRUMPF to Harness HLRS's Hawk and Hunter Supercomputers for Advanced AI and Quantum Computing Simulations - HPCwire

Quantum computing stands at the forefront of groundbreaking computer research today. Spearheaded by Don Towsley, a Distinguished Professor at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS), an interdisciplinary team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is actively contributing to this transformative field.

The infrastructure needed to support future city-scale quantum networks is being designed by Towsley and his colleagues at UMass in the College of Engineering and CICS. This work is being managed by the Center for Quantum Networks, a $26 million, five-year, renewable project headed by the University of Arizona, one of the Engineering Research Centers of the National Science Foundation.

Compared to the bit-based computing that is performed, quantum computing is very different. A bit denotes an electrical current, either on or off, and is commonly expressed as a 0 or a 1. The software, websites, and emails that make up the electronic world are built on bits. Thousands of them make up even the most basic digital artifacts; this story, for example, has over 170,000 bits.

In contrast, quantum bits, or qubits, are the building blocks of quantum computing. They resemble regular bits but represent particles in a quantum state. Because of the drastically different behavior of matter in a quantum state, qubits are not limited to being either ones or zeroes, on or off.

Although they are not magical, Stefan Krastanov, an Assistant Professor of Information and Computer Sciences at UMass Amherst and one of the researchers contributing to the design of the quantum network, notes that their different behavior opens up a range of computing possibilities.

For many computing problems, quantum computers are no more powerful than conventional ones. However, for a growing family of important problems like drug discovery, cryptography, and scientific simulations, only quantum algorithms have a chance of providing solutions.

Stefan Krastanov, Assistant Professor, Department of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst

The ability of matter to become entangled is one of the more peculiar features of the quantum state. Here, the game of pool serves as a useful analogy. In the real world, the three-ball goes into the corner pocket when the cue ball strikes it. However, in a quantum world, the three balls might be entangled with another ball, like the eight ball, in this case, both the eight and the three would react simultaneously to the cue, even though the eight ball was not touched.

Entangling quantum computers through a quantum internet could offer unparalleled digital securitya primary focus of the Center for Quantum Networks' research, while also significantly enhancing the computing capabilities of current top-tier machines.

However, for any of this to occur, a secure quantum network that is capable of connecting quantum computers and sending entangled qubits is required.

The problem, is that quantum information- those qubits - is incredibly fragile and very sensitive to environmental noise, such as heat. This requires the careful design of a network architecture, algorithms, and protocols to protect against this noise.

Don Towsley, Professor, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences

Towsley is working with colleagues at UMass, including Krastanov and Assistant Professor of Information and Computer Science Filip Rozpedek, as well as Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Taqi Raza in the College of Engineering, to figure out how to send qubits securely without having to worry about them being lost or decaying.

This problem calls for computer science and engineering knowledge since, in the words of Raza, whose area of expertise is critical infrastructure security, Security cuts across all the various specialties that must contribute to a successful quantum network. We are working to embed security principles in quantum networks from the start.

Quantum computing is not just an advance in technology. Its a paradigm shift in how we process information. Were proud contributors to this thrilling journey to usher in the next era of computing. NSFs recognition of UMass Amherst as a key hub in the northeast amplifies our sense of pride and highlights the significant role our talented researchers play in advancing the field.

Laura Haas, Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Dean, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences

Towsley is spearheading the establishment of a UMass Amherst center of excellence to support research in quantum information systems, which will work to develop a quantum internet and provide network security to connect quantum computers, thanks to a seed fund established by anonymous donors, including a gift of $5 million.

Sanjay Raman, Dean, College of Engineering, College of Information and Computer Sciences, states, Our role as a core institution in the NSF Center for Quantum Networks is part of a broader, growing interdisciplinary initiative in quantum information systems here at UMass, involving faculty and researchers in CICS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics in the College of Natural Sciences.

Between the three colleges, we have nine core faculty in the quantum information systems area, working on everything from quantum materials, devices, and circuits to algorithms and security, and many others who are helping to explore the science and applications of the quantum world, concludes Sanjay Raman.

Source: https://www.umass.edu/

Original post:
Designing Infrastructure to Protect Quantum Information - AZoQuantum