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.
- 01In briefThe short answer
- 02The methodWhat quantum computing, sensing and communication covers
- 03Reference practiceQuantum technology is entering standardisation
- 04In systemic risk workPlan the migration, not the date
- 05Applied inPlatforms that apply this method
- 06StewardshipWho maintains this page
- 07Key termsTerms used on this page
GCRI · Institution · service level R0
The short answer.
Quantum computing, sensing and communication exploit quantum mechanical effects to process information and make measurements. Quantum technology assessment informs when to migrate critical systems to quantum-resistant cryptography. In the Nexus Consortium, Quantum Technologies stewards its canonical page, and 2 other platforms apply it, including Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience as well as Payments and Market Infrastructure.
Digital demand and connectivity in the Nordic and Baltic region.
Urban demand centres and the hubs that anchor digital and data infrastructure, shown for the Nordic and Baltic region as an example geography for this subject.
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.
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 |
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.
Platforms that apply this method.
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.
Terms used on this page.
Each term as this page uses it. Where a standard-setting body defines the term, the wording follows that body.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Crypto-agility | The ability to replace cryptographic algorithms in a system without major redesign. |
| Harvest now, decrypt later | Collecting encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum computers can break the encryption. |
| Quantum key distribution | A method of sharing encryption keys using quantum states, with security rooted in physics. |
| Fault-tolerant quantum computer | A quantum computer that uses error correction to run long computations reliably. |
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.
Where this page leads across the Consortium.
- Applied inGCRIQuantum technology and cryptographyApplied in Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience.
- Applied inGCRIQuantum technology engineeringApplied in Quantum Technologies.
- Applied inGRAQuantum computing, sensing and communication for payments and market infrastructureApplied in Payments and Market Infrastructure.
Questions and answers.
Why does one institution host every method page?
How do I suggest a correction to a method page?
Around GCRI.
Start with an enquiry.
The current service level is R0: information and enquiries. An enquiry receives a reference and names the next step; applications, payments, compute allocations and registrations open only when their team, terms and review capacity exist.