Today’s global challenges highlight the potential of quantum technologies, especially in the areas of sustainability and digital transformation. These technologies can offer breakthrough solutions in many fields. International Standards promote unity and harmonisation to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum advances.
On 11 January 2024, at a meeting in Geneva, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) announced the establishment of ISO/IEC JTC 3, a joint technical committee on quantum technologies.
This step emphasises the importance of establishing international standards in the rapidly developing field of quantum technologies. ISO/IEC JTC 3 covers standardisation in the field of quantum technologies, including quantum information technologies (quantum computing and quantum simulation), quantum metrology, quantum sources, quantum detectors, quantum communications and fundamental quantum technologies.
This technical committee continues its work to support the application of quantum technologies in various sectors. In particular, several working groups have been established to explore and develop the potential of quantum technologies in areas such as sustainability, education, healthcare, energy and commerce. These groups collaborate to provide solutions to the current and future challenges of quantum technologies.
CONNECTION OF THE QUANTUM STANDARD WITH OTHER ISO STANDARDS
Quantum technologies are under the influence of ISO standards and various standards support the development, security and compatibility of these technologies. Here are the links between some important ISO standards and quantum technologies:
ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management System: Plays an important role in defining quantum security protocols used in areas such as quantum communications.
ISO/IEC 27002: Guide to Information Security Technical Controls: Provides technical controls to ensure the security of quantum communications and quantum computers.
ISO/IEC 80000–13: Units and Symbols — Part 13: Information Theory and Quantum Computers: Helps define terms and concepts related to quantum technologies.
ISO/IEC 23005–13: Media Independent Multilayer Quantum Computing and Distributed Quantum Operations: Provides a media-independent multilayer structure for quantum information processing and quantum communication.
ISO/IEC 23007–1: Quantum Computing and Quantum Information and Communications Security — Part 1: General Introduction: Provides a general introduction to the fields of quantum computing and quantum communications.
Quantum technologies are constantly evolving and becoming widespread thanks to standards that address various aspects such as security, cryptology, terminology, information processing and communication. These standards provide secure, consistent and harmonised guidance to organisations working with quantum technologies.
Quantum technologies can unlock solutions to tackle the biggest societal challenges. Topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence and ISO/IEC JTC 3 play a critical role in the future development and application of quantum technologies. For more information on this topic and to learn more about the relevant standards, please contact us at info@cfecert.co.uk
