Deputy Minister Nezar Patria warns of quantum cyber threat

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1 hour ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has called for immediate preparation against advanced cyber threats arising from quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI), including the practice of “harvest now, decrypt later.”

Speaking at the ITSEC Cyber & AI Academy launch in South Jakarta on Monday (Aug. 10), Nezar said criminals could steal and store encrypted data for future decryption.

“There is data they have stolen, but they cannot open it because it is encrypted. They simply store it,” Nezar said.

He said conventional cryptographic systems designed for today’s computing power may no longer ensure long-term data security, urging adoption of post-quantum cryptography.

“We also have to prepare, especially for the security of our data, for our cryptographic systems, which are post-quantum cryptography,” Nezar said.

Referring to the June 2024 ransomware attack on the Temporary National Data Center (PDNS) 2, he said the government was adopting a “security by design” approach.

The approach embeds cybersecurity measures into digital architecture from the planning stage, an increasingly urgent step as threats grow more complex with the rise of autonomous, or agentic, AI.

Nezar also highlighted Indonesia’s shortage of digital talent, with the government projecting demand for nine million workers by 2030, compared with current annual production of about three million.

He welcomed private-sector initiatives such as the ITSEC Cyber & AI Academy, which he said could help narrow gaps between academic training and industry needs.

“Without strong talent, I think our wealth of data will ultimately be scattered everywhere and stolen, read and captured by those with more power,” Nezar said.