UAE Cyber Security Council Partners with ATRC to Strengthen Quantum-Safe Security Transition Amid Rising Global Cyber Risks
In a significant move to bolster national cybersecurity, the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has entered into a partnership with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). This collaboration aims to accelerate the UAE’s transition to quantum-safe security measures, addressing the increasing cyber threats that are becoming prevalent both globally and regionally. The agreement was formalized during an event at Make it in the Emirates, underscoring the urgency of enhancing national resilience against evolving cyber risks.
Strategic Collaboration for Cybersecurity Advancement
The partnership between CSC and ATRC is set to deploy and scale advanced cybersecurity solutions, marking a pivotal step in one of the world’s first coordinated national post-quantum migration plans. The initiative will leverage cryptographic libraries developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and tools such as QuantumGate’s Crypto Discovery Tool (CDT) and the Entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (EQKD) system. These technologies are designed to fortify the UAE’s cybersecurity infrastructure against the impending challenges posed by quantum computing.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwai, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized the importance of preparing for quantum computing’s impact. He stated that strengthening the nation’s cryptographic foundations is essential for ensuring the long-term security of digital infrastructure. The collaboration aims to build resilient cybersecurity capabilities that will prepare the UAE for the quantum era while facilitating a secure transition to post-quantum cryptography.
Addressing Immediate and Long-Term Cyber Risks
The urgency of this collaboration is underscored by the rising cyber risks that have been observed globally and within the region. H.E. Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC, highlighted that the transition to quantum-safe security cannot be delayed until quantum threats materialize. He called for immediate action to enhance the resilience of the UAE’s digital infrastructure and critical systems. This partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of sovereign cybersecurity technologies developed within the ATRC ecosystem, supporting the UAE’s long-term transition to quantum-resilient security.
Deployment of Advanced Cybersecurity Tools
As part of this initiative, the CSC will collaborate with QuantumGate to scale the deployment of the Crypto Discovery Tool (CDT). This platform, developed in Abu Dhabi, is designed to facilitate cryptographic discovery, inventory management, and vulnerability assessments. Tailored to meet the requirements of the UAE National Cryptography Center, CDT will enable organizations to establish a structured migration path toward quantum-resilient security. This tool is expected to assist both public and private sector entities in planning and executing their transitions to quantum-resilient encryption standards.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII and QuantumGate, noted that CDT provides a comprehensive view of cryptographic readiness and exposure across complex environments. This capability allows organizations to migrate with confidence, translating national ambitions into operational readiness as they prepare for the post-quantum era.
Implementation of Quantum Key Distribution Solutions
Following a successful pilot program, the CSC is also set to deploy VentureOne’s Entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution (EQKD) solution. This technology utilizes quantum communication principles to generate highly secure encryption keys, which have already been successfully implemented to connect data centers for a major Abu Dhabi entity. The EQKD technology will be expanded across government and enterprise environments, complementing other post-quantum cybersecurity capabilities.
The national cryptographic libraries, developed and managed by TII and commercialized by VentureOne, will serve as the foundation for the UAE’s transition efforts. These libraries, which include both classical and post-quantum algorithms, are designed for integration into widely deployed government and enterprise systems, facilitating a coordinated and scalable transition to quantum-resilient security.
Supporting Infrastructure and Workforce Development
To support this initiative, TII’s Security Laboratory will play a crucial role. As one of the few facilities in the UAE dedicated to cryptographic compliance testing, it will validate cryptographic assets against national regulatory requirements and approved standards, ensuring secure and trusted deployment.
In addition to technology deployment and research collaboration, the initiative encompasses national readiness programs, workforce training, and awareness initiatives. These efforts are aimed at equipping organizations to prepare for the transition to quantum-safe security, aligning with international post-quantum standards established by organizations such as NIST.
This comprehensive approach reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity posture in an era where quantum computing poses both challenges and opportunities. The collaboration between the UAE Cyber Security Council and ATRC signifies a proactive stance in safeguarding the nation’s digital landscape against future threats.
For further details, visit the original reporting source: techafricanews.com.
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