Vietnam Prepares for Post-Quantum Cryptography Era

Vietnam is preparing to transition its digital infrastructure's cryptography to the next generation, anticipating the cybersecurity risks posed by rapidly evolving quantum computing technology. At a workshop in Hanoi, Ms. To Thi Thu Huong, Director of the National Electronic Authentication Center (NEAC), emphasized the importance of adapting to the quantum computing era, stating, "Digital signatures and trusted digital infrastructure form the backbone of our digital economy." Currently, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), digital signatures, and trust services are essential for protecting digital identities, ensuring data integrity, and guaranteeing the legal validity of electronic transactions. However, quantum computers are predicted to possess the capability to easily decrypt current cryptographic systems, posing a significant threat to existing security models. NEAC Director Huong warned, "Systems once viewed as impenetrable, like the Public Key Infrastructure we trust today, risk breaking tomorrow without timely action." Mr. Hoang Nguyen Van, Deputy Director of the Center for Digital Transformation Creation (VIDTI), echoed this sentiment, arguing, "Nations cannot wait until quantum computers emerge before switching to post-quantum standards." A particular concern is the "Harvest now, decrypt later" attack method. Malicious actors collect and store encrypted data today, awaiting the day quantum technology becomes powerful enough to decrypt it. Sensitive data fields—including healthcare, finance, banking, and customer records—are particularly vulnerable due to their long lifecycles. The VIDTI Deputy Director noted that whether powerful quantum computers arrive by 2029, 2030, or later, migration must start immediately. Building a transition roadmap takes time, necessitating a phased approach. Many nations are adopting "hybrid cryptography," which merges existing algorithms with post-quantum variants, to avoid replacing everything at once. Ms. Huong urged trust service providers, enterprises, and data centers to proactively research and prepare PKI and specialized security equipment. She also proposed "leapfrogging on standards" by early adoption of international benchmarks to drive synchronized transformation. This aims to test Vietnam's trust service systems against global frameworks and build a foundation for future cross-border digital trust recognition. As of the end of June 2023, Vietnam had issued nearly 32 million digital signature certificates, with an adoption rate of 45.62% among the adult population. Billions of electronic transactions have occurred, and the growth of trust services indicates Vietnam's progress in digital transformation, according to NEAC. Google issued a warning in mid-June regarding "Q-Day," the moment quantum computing could crack current IT encryption forms. This milestone could arrive by 2029, 6 to 15 years ahead of prior estimates. If this prediction proves correct, governments, businesses, and organizations will have little time left to safeguard their data. Source: Vietnam Insider