With the rapid advancement of quantum computing technology, businesses and governments worldwide are facing an urgent and imminent threat to their cybersecurity.

Quantum computers, with their ability to perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers, will render many of today’s encryption methods obsolete. This threat is expected to arrive by the end of the decade.

South Africa is no exception to this impending crisis. The country’s cybersecurity market is projected to grow by 7,06% between 2024 and 2029, reaching a market volume of $884,6 million in 2029. However, the threat posed by quantum computing is not yet fully recognized or addressed.

While South Africa does not have the resources to build full-scale quantum computers, it is making strides in quantum research and experimentation. Several labs in Africa are working on quantum experimentation, but they are not building complete quantum computers.

This is largely due to the high costs associated with the technology, estimated at over $100 million just for the lab facilities, putting the development of quantum computers out of reach for now.

However, this does not diminish the urgent need for South Africa to prioritize quantum security and prepare for the inevitable impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity.

Anything that relies on encryption, from e-commerce to online banking, is at risk. In Q3 2023, phishing attacks detected for corporate users in South Africa surged 134% compared to Q2 2023 and 16% compared to Q3 2022, highlighting the growing cybersecurity challenges businesses face.

Small and medium-sized businesses may struggle to keep up with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. However, outsourcing IT services to third-party providers can help these businesses stay protected.

Outsourcing IT services to a reputable provider can offer several benefits for South African businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity:

– Cost savings: Outsourcing allows businesses to access the expertise and resources needed to protect against cyber threats without the high costs of building an in-house IT team.

– Increased efficiency: By outsourcing non-core IT tasks, businesses can free up their in-house staff to focus on their core operations and drive growth.

– Access to advanced technologies: Outsourcing providers often have access to the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies, such as threat feeds, security information and event management systems, and endpoint detection and response solutions.

– Compliance and risk management: Outsourcing providers can help businesses navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity regulations and ensure they comply with standards like the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act.

As South African businesses look to the future, the looming impact of quantum computing on the country’s cybersecurity landscape is undeniable. While the technology may not be fully developed yet, it is crucial for businesses to start preparing now.

Outsourcing IT services to a trusted provider can be cost-effective for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity and stay ahead of the curve. By leveraging the expertise and resources of an outsourcing provider, companies can protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber-attacks and prepare for the quantum future.

Broader Global Response to Quantum Threats

Governments and industries around the globe are already mobilizing to address the quantum threat. The United States, for example, passed the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act in 2022. This act urges federal agencies to transition to quantum-safe encryption and allocates significant resources to research and development in this area. The European Union has initiated projects like the EuroQCI (Quantum Communication Infrastructure) to build secure quantum communication networks. These initiatives show a clear global shift toward quantum readiness—something South Africa must also prioritize to remain competitive and safe.

What is Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)?

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to secure cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks from both classical and quantum computers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. has been working since 2016 to standardize PQC algorithms, with initial selections announced in 2022. These algorithms are designed to eventually replace RSA and ECC encryption, which are vulnerable to quantum attacks. South African businesses and government agencies must explore PQC solutions to future-proof their systems against the quantum threat.

Impact on Financial Services and Critical Infrastructure

Quantum computing poses a particularly serious threat to the banking, telecommunications, and healthcare sectors. The financial industry, in particular, depends heavily on encryption for secure transactions. A quantum attack could decrypt sensitive data like credit card details or identity information in seconds. Similarly, critical infrastructure systems that control power grids or water treatment facilities could be compromised if not made quantum-safe in time. South African industries in these sectors should conduct risk assessments and begin planning migrations to quantum-resistant systems.

The Role of Universities and Public-Private Partnerships

South Africa’s universities and research institutions can play a vital role in bridging the gap between emerging quantum technologies and practical cybersecurity applications. Public-private partnerships can facilitate investment in local talent, infrastructure, and international collaboration. Institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand, already involved in quantum research, could act as national hubs to foster innovation and awareness around quantum cybersecurity.

The Urgency of Awareness and Training

Despite the urgency, many decision-makers across industries remain unaware of the quantum threat. Raising awareness through workshops, webinars, and training programs will be critical. Additionally, upskilling cybersecurity professionals to understand quantum risks and mitigation strategies should be part of a national strategy. Without a well-informed talent pool, even the best policies and tools will fall short.

Quantum-Safe Transition Checklist for Businesses

To begin preparing for a quantum-resilient future, South African businesses can consider the following steps:

– Conduct a cryptographic inventory to identify where current encryption is used.

– Evaluate which systems are most vulnerable to quantum threats.

– Monitor global PQC standardization efforts and vendor readiness.

– Engage with cybersecurity experts or outsourcing providers with a future-ready roadmap.

– Educate stakeholders internally on the quantum computing timeline and potential impacts.

As the quantum era approaches, the impact on cybersecurity will be profound. Although South Africa may not be a leader in quantum hardware development, it must proactively adopt quantum-resilient cybersecurity practices. By leveraging outsourcing, strengthening public-private collaboration, focusing on awareness, and investing in post-quantum cryptographic strategies, South African businesses and institutions can shield themselves from the seismic shifts to come. These shifts include the potential for rapid decryption of currently secure data and the need for new, quantum-resistant encryption methods. The time to act is now – before the quantum clock runs out.

Other Blogs from In2IT