Economic aspects of the value proposition of quantum communications and post-quantum cryptography from the end-user perspective: case study in the financial industry

This paper examines the economic aspects of implementing quantum communications and post-quantum cryptography — two advanced tools for securing communications in the context of the advent of quantum computers. The aim of the study is to predict the conditions under which their implementation will be economically feasible for end users in the financial sector. The hypothesis is that the use of quantum communications and postquantum cryptography as information security tools is of interest to financial institutions that own critical information infrastructure due to the potential to reduce the risk of economic losses from cybercrime. To prove this hypothesis, the author examined the place and role of quantum communications and post-quantum cryptography in a bank’s information security system, estimated the costs of transforming the infrastructure using a quantum component, and provided an economic assessment of the risks associated with the lack of a quantumlevel network security. The study is based on input data on component costs from market participants, as well as financial data on bank’s performance from open sources. Drawing on the comparative analysis of potential costs and risks, the author concludes that the lack of massive demand for quantum communications piloting services may be due to anticipated insufficient economic impact at the current stage of technological readiness. Demand could be increased through the use of deferred payment marketing and financial instruments. The author recommends to pay attention to scenarios for using quantum key distribution equipment in key data transmission nodes. These findings may be of interest to specialists working in the development and commercialization of emerging quantum communications industry in the Russian Federation.

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