Imagine a future not too far off from our own.
Envision a landscape where complex problems are effortlessly unraveled, and the impossible becomes routine. Quantum computing holds the promise of propelling us into an era of unprecedented discovery and innovation, revolutionizing industries and reshaping our understanding of the universe. With the capacity to process vast amounts of data at lightning speeds through the power of qubits, quantum computers stand ready to tackle challenges in cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization with unparalleled efficiency, heralding a future where the inconceivable becomes routine.
Yet, amidst this promising horizon, a shadow looms over the realm of cybersecurity. Quantum computing poses a significant threat to conventional cryptographic methods, rendering widely used encryption algorithms vulnerable to rapid decryption. The inherent power of quantum algorithms to factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical counterparts undermines the security of sensitive data, including financial transactions, personal information, and state secrets. This scenario known as Q-Day requires new security strategies and capabilities, including post-quantum cryptography.
The Threat of Quantum to Satellite Networks
Cyber warfare has already ascended to unprecedented significance as nations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for economic, political, and military endeavors. With the pervasive interconnectivity of devices, critical systems, and sensitive data stored online, the potential fallout of cyber-attacks has soared.
The current state of satellite cybersecurity is both promising and concerning. On one hand, advancements in prevention, authentication, and intrusion detection technologies have bolstered the security of satellite systems. Many satellite operators are implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their networks against cyber threats. On the other hand, there exists a significant portion of legacy satellite infrastructure left unprepared for the threats of today and tomorrow, especially quantum computing.
Many of the encryption algorithms guarding the data we all rely on in our day-to-day lives is at risk because of these quantum capabilities. Low bit strength symmetric algorithms like AES-128 and ChaCha20-128, or asymmetric algorithms like RSA, are especially vulnerable to quantum computing. To paint a picture of just how vulnerable we are talking, a quantum computer with 128 qubits could crack a 128-bit AES key in a matter of seconds, and IBM is already zooming way past that as of the end of 2023.
As quantum supremacy inches closer to reality, the urgency to fortify our digital defenses against potential breaches intensifies. Addressing the cybersecurity implications of quantum computing demands proactive measures, especially as it pertains to our satellite infrastructure. Quantum computing poses a significant threat to national and economic security, as the most likely early adopters of quantum capabilities will be nation states themselves.
The legacy technologies that make up a significant proportion of our satellite infrastructure is not up to the task of guarding against current threats, let alone the capabilities of quantum computing in the hands of bad actors. According to Crystal Lister, the Senior Director of Insider and Cyber Threats at GPSG, our satellite security capabilities are woefully unprepared for today’s threat landscape:
“Inconsistent software patching, weak encryption, and old IT equipment are key vulnerabilities to satellite networks. Legacy satellite communications platforms are not easily updated and must undergo significant testing to ensure that upgrades for communications, encryption, or improved operability with next-generation platforms will not interfere with other, possibly critical, system functions.”
Crystal Lister, Senior Director of Insider and Cyber Threats, GPSG
These challenges of updating satellites and upgrading encryptions are crucial if we hope to combat modern and future threats.
Why CyberProtonics Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is Perfect for Securing Satellites Today and Tomorrow
While existing higher bit-strength encryptions, such as AES-256, are theorized to protect against the advent of quantum computing, the fact of the matter is most of these algorithms are too process intensive for every use case. The utilization of ever-expanding key sizes makes AES-256 is best suited for protecting data-at-rest, since the encryption and decryption process is so resource intensive that it is impractical for data-in-transit. Not to mention the added complexity of implementing multiple encryption algorithms to guard different types of data.
This leaves a massive security gap when dealing with the kinds of information transmitted over SATCOM networks, as popular encryptions for data-in-transit, such as ChaCha20-128, are simply not enough to guard against quantum attacks.
Enter CyberProtonics.
With CyberProtonics PQC, there are no tradeoffs between speed and security performance. Utilizing our symmetric, continuously rotating key distribution, we are able to protect data-in-transit and data-at-rest, all without any discernible latency by the user. This means fast and secure transmissions of satellite data, as well as hardened security for information stored in data centers, end-user devices, and the satellites themselves.
The best part is our post-quantum cryptographic algorithm is so lightweight and efficient that it is able to run on low-powered legacy devices that otherwise wouldn’t have the capacity to run older security functions. Despite the lightweight nature of our algorithm, the strength of the algorithm is not impacted in the slightest.
We can encrypt and decrypt data at speeds as fast as sub-4 milliseconds, while being able to scale up bit strengths from 512 bits, all the way up to 10,000 bits. This far surpasses the capabilities of AES and other widely used encryption algorithms. This means that CyberProtonics is able to guard all SATCOM data on the move, and at rest, from the threats of today, as well as the quantum threats of tomorrow.
Post-quantum cryptography is a necessary piece of a larger effort to safeguard the data of governments, organizations, and individuals from the ever-expanding landscape. If you want to learn more about our current and future efforts to secure your data, be sure to visit our website and read more on our blog.
