GCRI · Technology
Quantum computing, sensing and communication
Quantum computing, sensing and communication exploit quantum mechanical effects to process information and make measurements. They promise new capabilities and pose a long-term threat to current public-key cryptography. Quantum Technologies stewards this page for the Nexus Consortium.
01Contents
Quantum computing, sensing and communication in six parts.
In this dossier6 parts
- 01The methodWhat quantum computing, sensing and communication covers
- 02Reference practiceQuantum technology is entering standardisation
- 03In systemic risk workPlan the migration, not the date
- 04Applied inPlatforms that apply this method
- 05StewardshipWho maintains this page
- 06SourcesWhere this page’s references lead
02The method
What quantum computing, sensing and communication covers.
- 01
Core methods
quantum algorithm design; quantum error correction; quantum key distribution; quantum sensing and metrology; hardware characterisation; post-quantum migration planning.
- 02
Data and instruments
quantum processor benchmarks; device calibration records; experimental testbeds; cryptographic inventories; sensor field trial data.
- 03
Validation
Hardware is characterised through standard benchmarking protocols and cross-platform comparison. Claims of advantage are tested against classical methods.
- 04
Limits
Noise, decoherence and engineering constraints limit current devices. Timelines for practical capability are uncertain.
- 05
Use in risk decisions
Quantum technology assessment informs when to migrate critical systems to quantum-resistant cryptography. Quantum sensing may improve navigation and subsurface monitoring for infrastructure.
03Reference practice
Quantum technology is entering standardisation.
| Reference | What it sets |
|---|---|
| NIST FIPS 203, 204 and 205 | Post-quantum key establishment and signatures |
| ISO/IEC JTC 3 | Quantum technology standards |
| ETSI quantum-safe cryptography work | Quantum key distribution and migration |
04Process
How the process runs.
Process
Quantum computing, sensing and communication: Post-quantum cryptography migration
NIST published FIPS 203, 204 and 205 on 13 August 2024; the migration steps are common practice, and the IR 8547 timeline is a draft.
01 Discover
- 01Cryptographic inventoryDatasetOrganisations must find where vulnerable algorithms are used and plan to replace or update them. The inventory lists algorithms and keys.
- 02Prioritise by data lifetime and exposureStepIR 8547 names the harvest now, decrypt later threat. Systems holding long-lived sensitive data come first.
02 Plan
- 03Select standardised algorithmsStepFIPS 203, 204 and 205 specify ML-KEM, ML-DSA and SLH-DSA. Falcon and HQC were selected for ongoing standardisation.
- 04Vendor roadmapsDataset · National DeskHardware security modules and libraries need vendor support for the selected algorithms. Roadmaps come from each vendor.
03 Deploy
- 05Hybrid deploymentModelIR 8547 says migration may start with hybrids of quantum-resistant and quantum-vulnerable algorithms, secure if one component is secure.
- 06TestExerciseInteroperability, performance and fallback are tested before cut-over.
- 07Cut over and retireDecision · National DeskIn draft IR 8547, 112-bit public-key algorithms are deprecated after 2030 and quantum-vulnerable ones disallowed after 2035.
04 Sustain
- 08Crypto agilityStepCrypto agility is the ability to replace and adapt cryptographic algorithms while preserving security and ongoing operations.
Neutral outline of a published external standard or method, from its issuing body. Not a record of operation. Nexus does not perform, certify or approve any step shown. A gate or decision belongs to the party the source names.
05In systemic risk work
Plan the migration, not the date.
The main systemic risk from quantum computing is to public-key cryptography, and data recorded now can be decrypted later. Because the timing of a cryptographically relevant machine is uncertain, the risk-relevant work is inventory and migration planning, which takes years for large systems.
- Inventory cryptographic dependencies.
- Prioritise long-lived confidential data.
- Separate sensing and computing claims; maturity differs.
- Applications on Quantum and Cyber and Digital Resilience.
06Applied in
Platforms that apply this method.
07Stewardship
Who maintains this page.
Quantum Technologies stewards quantum computing, sensing and communication: it keeps this description current and reviews how the method is applied across the platforms.
08Sources
Where this page’s references lead.
The bodies and documents this page is read against. Status and editions change; each link goes to the issuing body.
09Questions
Questions and answers.
Why does one institution host every method page?
GCRI hosts the STEM Commons so that each method has one canonical description. Platforms link to it rather than repeat it, which keeps definitions consistent.
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Write to the integrity concern form with the passage and the reason.
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