Future Technology: Quantum Cryptology
The 12th International Information Security and Cryptology Conference began at the Information Technologies and Communication Authority.
This year's program, themed “Cyber Security and Post-Quantum Cryptology,” was attended at its opening by names such as Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Mehmet Cahit Turhan, Deputy Minister Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, President of the Information Security Association Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, along with numerous guests.
Addressing the guests at the program's opening, Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan spoke about the current state of technology and its impacts. Expressing that cyber or virtual threats do not only affect individuals, Turhan stated, “Cyber security has become one of the most important agenda items for institutions, countries, and international organizations. Just as cyber attacks can obtain a computer user's bank account information, it is also possible to access a country's military and political secrets, paralyze financial centers, power plants, transportation and communication systems, and hospitals. Unfortunately, these capabilities that facilitate our lives and work through information and communication technologies can also be used by malicious individuals, foreign intelligence services, and terrorist organizations.”
Minister Turhan: We Will Not Abandon Using Technology Just Because There Are Dangers
Drawing attention to the fact that as the cyber world becomes more complex, adversaries also become more sophisticated, Turhan said, “Just as in every area of life, it has taken its place in wars in the virtual world. In fact, it is no secret that there are organized groups doing this rather than just personal attacks. Organized cyber pirates have now emerged. Unfortunately, these groups can not only attack the cyber infrastructure of state institutions but also seize ordinary people's personal information and interfere in their private lives. The problem has grown much larger with the entry of quantum computers into our lives. Therefore, the widespread adoption of quantum-resistant cryptology algorithms and studies in our country is of great importance. Because without 'domestic and national' products and solutions, full security in cyber security cannot be mentioned. We should not only follow the requirements of the age but be one step ahead and take precautions against threats. Because when the confidentiality, integrity, or accessibility of information is compromised, it can lead to loss of life, large-scale economic damage, national security vulnerabilities, or disruption of public order. We will certainly not abandon using information technologies just because cyber pirates exist.”
Deputy Minister Sayan: Disruptive Developments Are Occurring in the Technology Field
Deputy Minister Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan also delivered a speech. Stating that disruptive developments are taking place in many areas from artificial intelligence to deep learning, web technologies to virtual reality, machine learning to the Internet of Things, information security to cyber security, Sayan said, "Especially states and governments aware of this are making much wiser investments in information technologies as a very smart step. As a country aware of this reality, we are also concentrating our investments on information and communication technologies with confident and solid steps."
Drawing attention to the importance of recent developments in showing what "domestic and national" technologies mean, Sayan noted that the teams at the National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) under the BTK are continuing their work in cyber security coordination by prioritizing domestic and national elements. Deputy Minister Sayan invited the participants to work on domestic and national technology in every area of life.