Europol has published the first report in this area, “The second quantum revolution: the impact of quantum computing and quantum technologies on law enforcement“. The report offers a forward-looking evaluation of the impact of quantum computing and quantum technologies on law enforcement. It also outlines the ways in which these new technologies could be applied.

The report is the result of joint work between the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and Europol’s Innovation Lab.

This document provides a forward-looking assessment of how quantum computing and quantum technologies may affect policing around the world and what to do to be prepared.

Quantum computing and quantum technologies are knocking on the door of law enforcement with new opportunities, as well as new threats, that authorities should anticipate. The problem is that these emerging technologies have the potential to affect a wide range of applications used by law enforcement but could also be exploited by criminals.

A particularly acute concern is the impact of quantum computing on cryptography. While quantum computing could offer advantages to law enforcement in investigating cases and improving password decryption, it also threatens to break the encryption used to keep sensitive information secure today.

In a concept known as “store and decrypt later”, criminal actors could already be accumulating encrypted information, such as illicitly obtained databases, protected files or communications data, and keeping them for the purpose of decrypting them later for criminal purposes.

To counter this, the transition to post-quantum cryptography is key. It is essential that law enforcement and data-driven organisations audit and protect their systems against a threat that is not just a concern for the distant future, but an imminent problem that requires immediate attention and action today.

In addition, the report highlights how quantum technologies could enhance machine learning and artificial intelligence, and the establishment of highly secure communication channels, as well as improve forensic capabilities.

Five key recommendations highlighted in the report for police:

• Observe quantum trends: monitor relevant developments to detect emerging threats.
• Develop knowledge and start experimenting to benefit from these developments in the future.
• Encourage research and development projects that collaborate closely with the scientific community to build a network of expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of quantum technologies on fundamental rights to ensure that law enforcement uses these new technologies while protecting these rights.
• Review your organisation’s transition plans to make sure that critical systems are protected in the post-quantum era.

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