Speaker
Description
The rise of quantum computing poses a serious threat to password-based security systems
and could break the methods we currently use to keep data safe, putting sensitive information
at risk. For example, Grover’s algorithm, a well-known quantum algorithm can make bruteforce password attacks much faster by reducing the number of guesses needed roughly by the
square root of the total number of possible passwords, which could result in attacks being
thousands of times faster for large key spaces.
This research proposes a Password Security Quantum Readiness Framework to help IT
professionals maintain business continuity in the face of sudden quantum-driven password
security shifts. The study aims to assess the risk that quantum computing poses to password
security, evaluate countermeasures including quantum-resistant hashing, multi-factor or
password-less authentication, upgrading hashing protocols to post-quantum standards and
other protections to mitigate these risks.-
A qualitative-methods design supports the study. First, a thorough literature review will be
conducted to investigate the password security risk posed by quantum computing. Second, a
systematic literature will be conducted to investigate possible counter measures for mitigating
password security risk related to quantum computing. Third, Critical Reasoning will be used
identify and extract key constructs for formulating the framework.
Businesses can protect sensitive information from emerging quantum technologies by
developing a quantum readiness framework for password security. This framework will help IT
professionals understand the risks posed by quantum computing and equip them to address
password cybersecurity challenges, creating a business-continuity architecture to safeguard
password infrastructure and ensure operational resilience in the evolving quantum landscape.
| Presenting Author | Anele Siwela |
|---|---|
| Institute | CSIR |
