UAE announces first quantum computer to defend against cyberattacks

The UAE has announced the country’s first quantum computer and is also developing the first post-quantum cryptography (PQC) software library to safeguard confidential data against quantum computer attacks.

Top cryptography expert Dr Najwa Aaraj, chief researcher at the Cryptography Research Centre of the Technology Innovation Institute, noted that even though user data is secured in the UAE, any unprotected data may potentially be a target for a diligent hacker.

Quantum computers – far more powerful than classical computers – can be used by hackers for malicious purposes. The Abu-Dhabi based researcher said that there is a continuous global tug-of-war between cybersecurity experts and cybercriminals and hackers.

“As to why and how such leaks happen, hackers essentially exploit vulnerabilities in computer software and networks to gain unauthorised access,” she told Khaleej Times in an interview.

Breaches at social and professional networking sites, Dr Najwa underlined, were serious incidents as hackers and cybercriminals can use the data to impersonate people and commit fraud even if some of the leaked data is a few years old.

“Since it was posted on the hacking forum for free, the data is potentially available to anyone online, which heightens the risk further.”

How can we protect ourselves against cyberattacks?

Dr Najwa said many organisations do not follow even the most basic of information security rules of having a strong password, ensuring applications have security patches to rectify vulnerabilities or raising awareness of phishing emails.

“In order for organisations to protect themselves against cyberattacks, they should follow common cybersecurity procedures, including using complex hard-to-crack passwords, applying multi-factor authentication and ensuring that their internal computer networks have the required software patches.”

Dr Najwa pointed out that in the UAE, public and private sector organisations follow strict protocols to protect their vital and confidential data but risks remain.

“Like everywhere else in the world, there are some hackers and cybercriminals and other nefarious individuals or organisations who operate in cyberspace and seek access to computer networks or systems they don’t have authorisation to access by exploiting inherent systems’ vulnerabilities. This makes data potentially vulnerable at organisations, which do not take adequate measures, wherever they may be located.”