An international team led by Professor Ryan Ko, has secured almost $5 million from the Australian Research Council to help safeguard Australia’s critical digital infrastructure against emerging security threats posed by advances in quantum computing.
The ARC Research Hub for Quantum Safety Testing (QuST) aims to reduce the impact of cyberattacks, estimated to cost the Australian economy $33 billion each year, while helping position Australia as a leader in quantum safety testing and certification.
Professor Ko said organisations needed practical ways to prepare for the cybersecurity implications of quantum computing.
"Quantum computing has enormous potential, but it also presents significant challenges for the security systems that underpin modern society," Professor Ko said.
"Many organisations know they will need to strengthen their cyber security for a quantum future. Our aim is to give them the tools and organisational migration processes to understand where vulnerabilities exist and how to address them in a structured, reliable and verifiable way."
“This also presents an opportunity for Australian universities and companies working with the Hub to kickstart a ‘Tested in Australia’ movement, positioning Australia as the trusted global leader in testing for quantum and AI safety”.
Professor Ko will work alongside UQ's Dr Naipeng Dong and Dr Karl Bertling, UNSW’s Associate Professor Sushmita Ruj, and Monash University’s Dr Muhammed Esgin, as well as a network of researchers, industry, government and international partners.
Associate Professor Ruj said addressing quantum-era cyber threats would require a collaborative approach.
"The transition to quantum-safe technologies will affect organisations across many sectors, from finance and telecommunications to critical infrastructure," Associate Professor Ruj said.
"This Hub will help build the knowledge, tools and expertise needed to support organisations as they navigate that transition."
Dr Esgin, from Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology, said the research would focus on helping organisations understand their preparedness for future cyber threats.
"Strong security isn't just about creating new technologies, it's also about being able to verify that they work as intended," Dr Esgin said.
"By developing robust testing and certification methods, we can give organisations greater confidence in the security of the systems they depend on every day."
Industry partners include Suncorp Group, Keysight Technologies Australia, Sekuro, Semicon Trend, Nisient, BTQ, and a range of cyber security and technology organisations.
The Hub is one of five national research hubs and training centres awarded to UQ through the Australian Research Council's Industrial Transformation Research Program, supporting collaborations that will address major challenges across cybersecurity, clean energy, advanced materials, agriculture and water sustainability.
