A report has been published following a two day virtual workshop on quantum communications and cyber security organised and hosted jointly by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Quantum Communications Hub. The workshop brought together the classical cryptography, security and quantum communities to consider the scope for quantum communications within the wider cyber security landscape and framework.

The objectives of the workshop were: (i) for NCSC and cyber security experts to present their perspectives on approaches to cyber security; (ii) to identify and assess challenges for new quantum communications technologies; and (iii) to identify future events and activities to be undertaken to start addressing these challenges. 

The background and motivation for this joint workshop comprised various factors including the growing threat posed by quantum computers on current public-key cryptography and the need to develop, assess and integrate new approaches to enable quantum-safe cybersecurity – that is, cyber security that is safe in a future, fully quantum-enabled world.

During the workshop, various cyber security perspectives were presented, six topics of discussion were then selected to focus the conversation surrounding challenges for new quantum communications technologies and next steps. These topics included: implementation challenges in technology take-up; hybrid systems; demonstrators, incl. field trials; sector specificity; future directions of new technologies; and future directions on new protocols.

The report highlights the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between the quantum and cyber security communities and the Quantum Communications Hub is well placed to support this ongoing relationship moving forwards. 

The report can be accessed in the Resource section of the Hub website.