Quantum Computing: Background, Opportunities, and Threats
Quantum computing has the potential to solve certain complex problems that are impractical for today’s classical computers, creating new opportunities across areas such as optimization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scientific research.
At the same time, sufficiently powerful quantum computers could eventually break many of the public-key cryptographic algorithms used today to protect communications, data, and network infrastructure. Preparing for this risk requires the telecommunications industry to transition to quantum-resistant cryptography before cryptographically relevant quantum computers become available.
ATIS’ Quantum-Safe Communications and Information Initiative (QSCII) is helping the industry prepare for this transition.
Preparing Telecommunications for the Quantum-Safe Transition
Although quantum computing is still developing, network operators need to understand its implications for communications and data security and begin planning for the transition to quantum-safe technologies now.
This includes identifying cryptographic dependencies, assessing business and operational risks, establishing migration priorities, and understanding the standards and technologies needed to support the transition.
QSCII brings together industry experts to advance North American telecommunications requirements and develop practical approaches aligned with industry best practices and other quantum-safe standards initiatives. The group also addresses regulatory, governance, and interoperability considerations needed to enable the transition to quantum-safe communications.
QSCII Mission
The mission of the ATIS Quantum-Safe Communication and Information Initiative is to:
- Represent the North American communication industry on priority quantum-safe issues
- Build awareness of quantum-related security risks and increase industry understanding of quantum-safe technologies
- Identify telecommunications requirements and priorities that should be addressed in quantum-safe standards
- Advance North American perspectives in global standards and industry discussions on quantum-safe migration
- Define a practical evolution path towards quantum-safe communications networks
QSCII will:
- Identify the components of communications network and services that need to need to transition to quantum-safe protection
- Identify key technical, business, and regulatory needs that will drive a North American migration strategy
- Monitor the development of post-quantum cryptography standards and solutions and understand and evaluate the recommended migration approaches
- Identify gaps across the technology and standards landscape
- Define meaningful measures for assessing migration readiness and progress.
- Share findings and recommendations with the broader industry
ATIS Telecom Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) Profiles
In collaboration with its members and the broader telecommunications industry, ATIS is developing a practical, industry-focused approach to the Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) to help organizations understand where cryptography is used across networks, systems, and supply chains. This visibility is essential for identifying cryptographic risk, prioritizing the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and supporting long-term crypto-agility. Building on ATIS research into CBOM for 5G networks, the work includes a Telecom CBOM Profile, common property taxonomy, validator, and implementation examples, providing operators, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders with a consistent way to describe, exchange, and assess cryptographic information.