Page 134 - AI Standards for Global Impact: From Governance to Action

AI Standards for Global Impact: From Governance to Action

22�2 Quantum dilemma and risks

The advent of quantum computers brings not only hope, but also risks; especially to the security of
our digital systems. One urgent topic discussed was the looming threat that quantum computing
poses to current cryptography. Today’s widely used public-key encryption methods (like RSA
and ECC) rely on mathematical problems that a sufficiently advanced quantum computer could
solve exponentially faster, potentially decrypting sensitive data that is now considered secure.

Experts warned that this "Q-day" (when quantum code-breaking becomes feasible) appears to
be drawing closer, perhaps sooner than previously assumed. In fact, one cybersecurity panelist
cautioned, "We are already too late. The quantum threat timeline has accelerated from a decade
away to much sooner." This stark warning underlined the need for immediate action to protect
information in the quantum era as malicious actors may already be harvesting encrypted data
today, hoping to decrypt it later, so the clock is ticking for organizations to migrate to quantum-
safe solutions.

The experts urged a multi-pronged response:

1) Map critical assets: Organizations should first inventory their systems and data to
understand what sensitive information might be vulnerable to future quantum decryption.
2) Educate stakeholders: From C-suite executives to IT personnel, all stakeholders need to
understand the risk and the urgency of transitioning to new cryptographic standards
3) Act early: Organizations should begin integrating quantum-resistant encryption algorithms
and protocols into their infrastructure well before large-scale quantum computers become
reality
International standards bodies and national institutes have already been vetting candidate
algorithms for post-quantum cryptography; the challenge now is deploying them in time. The
clear consensus was that the world should not wait for a definitive "quantum computer moment"
to act. Every additional year of delay in rolling out quantum-safe encryption increases the chance
that secure communications, or stored data could eventually be compromised. "Quantum-
proofing" cybersecurity is an urgent priority that requires forward-thinking efforts today, not
tomorrow.

22�3 Inclusion and workforce: Building capacity for all

Ensuring that the quantum revolution benefits everyone was another key focus of the discussions.
Participants stressed that realizing "quantum for good" requires constantly asking "for who’s
good?" and taking deliberate steps to make quantum technology inclusive. This starts with
broadening access to education and resources in this highly specialized field. As quantum
science advances, there is a risk that only some institutions and well-funded companies in a
few countries will cultivate the needed expertise, leaving others behind. To counter this, the
community is prioritizing efforts to democratize quantum knowledge and nurture talent globally.

Roughly one-third of the world’s population (around 2.6 billion people) still lack Internet
access, which is a stark reminder that without basic connectivity and digital infrastructure,
many developing regions would not be able to participate in cutting-edge technology fields
like quantum technology. Bridging this digital divide is a foundational step toward quantum
inclusion.

122