The South Korean government will transform its national cryptography systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2035, according to a master plan disclosed on Wednesday.
Laying out the decadelong roadmap in six tracks, the master plan aims to protect the nation from quantum computing threats and fortify national cybersecurity from a long-term perspective.
In a press release published on the national information security anniversary, the National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Science and ICT elaborated three objectives that the master plan pursues.
The major objective is to develop action plans for the six tracks by 2024. The six tracks include technology acquisitions, amendments to regulations, the establishment of procedures, a support system for cryptography transformation, the advancement of assurance infrastructure, and the construction of the industrial base.
Roadmap for post-quantum cryptography transformation
The other objectives encompass the launch of the commission on nationwide cryptography transformation and the construction of a support system in technology and policy for post-quantum cryptography.
In 2021, the South Korean government agencies initiated a research group on post-quantum cryptography, bringing together experts from industry and academia. A working group was also formed between the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Security Research Institute, the Korea Internet & Security Agency, and the Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute to develop the current master plan.
“While the high-speed operation of quantum computers is innovation to address various challenges, its downside must be considered carefully,” said Park Yun-kyu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT. “We will closely collaborate with relevant parties to achieve a national transformation for the next cryptography systems,” added Park.
Baek Jong-wook, the third deputy director of the NIS, emphasized the importance of cryptography in national cybersecurity. “Transforming nationwide cryptography systems to post-quantum cryptography is a milestone in building a national cybersecurity structure for the nation’s future,” said Baek.
The NIS plans to proceed to intergovernmental reviews on the master plan and confirm the final document before publication.
