Israel's National Digital Agency warns: Prepare for quantum cyberattacks on critical data

The Israeli National Digital Agency has asked government organizations to prepare for the growing threat of quantum-computing cyberattacks. Such sophisticated attacks could potentially undermine Israel’s critical encrypted state and military data.

"The quantum threat is not a distant, futuristic scenario but an immediate reality requiring swift and comprehensive action," the National Digital Agency's directive stated.

While quantum computing is still in its infancy, Ofra Fraenkel, Israel’s chief government information officer at the National Digital Agency, assessed the unpredictable challenge of computing-connected security threats.

"It's hard to pinpoint exactly when this will happen. When we faced the Y2K bug 25 years ago, we knew the exact date and time of the risk. Quantum computing is different – some experts predict breakthroughs within a year or two, while others believe we're still 10 to 15 years away," Fraenkel said.

She stressed that Israel’s growing focus on quantum-computing threats is linked to global developments in the United States and beyond.

"We’re watching global preparations, particularly in the U.S., where the Biden administration recently updated its guidelines for federal agencies. We’d rather be proactive, mapping the risks now so we’ll be ready to act when the time comes," Fraenkel said.

Technologically advanced countries have policies that require encryption of sensitive state and military data. While encrypted data is more secure, Fraenkel warns that the situation could change dramatically with the rapid advancement of computing capabilities.

"Government policy mandates that all information and systems be encrypted. The problem is that even if it's encrypted, that might not be enough against quantum capabilities."

The high level of digitalization has made Israel and other advanced economies vulnerable to various cyberattacks that threaten both national security and individuals’ private data.

"Any database can be significant, but those containing personal, private, or medical information are especially critical. To ensure the government can continue to function, we need to secure these assets first," the senior Israeli digital agency warned.

Quantum computing presents countries with both opportunities and challenges. In June 2024, the Israel Innovation Authority announced the opening of the Israeli Quantum Computing Center (IQCC) at Tel Aviv University. The purpose of the new center is to position Israel among the leading nations in the international quantum computing race.

Last December, Israel unveiled its first quantum computer following close cooperation between the Israel Innovation Authority, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), Israel Aerospace Industries and the academic tech transfer organization, Yissum.

“The research team working on this ambitious project is among the best at the Hebrew University. The collaborative, multidisciplinary nature of this project will yield critical outcomes for research and bolster Israel’s scientific and technological status," Fraenkel stated.

HUJI Director Yishai Fraenkel hailed the Israeli supercomputer as an important milestone in the country’s technological advancements.

"As the Hebrew University enters its 100th anniversary, this achievement aligns with our founding mission: from establishing Israel’s first scientific research institute in 1925 on the Mount Scopus campus in Jerusalem to the launch of the country’s first quantum computer,” he added.