FBI warns China, Russia targeting U.S. quantum tech
FBI warns that foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia, are systematically targeting U.S. quantum information science research through economic espionage and illicit technology transfer.
Sourcefbi.gov — open the original
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The FBI has established the Quantum Information Science Counterintelligence Protection Team (QISCPT) within the National Counterintelligence Task Force to protect U.S. quantum technology from foreign adversaries. The primary threat comes from nation-states, particularly China, which is using systematic economic espionage to steal quantum research and intellectual property from U.S. companies, universities, and government labs. China's Five-Year Plan and Made in China 2025 strategic initiatives explicitly target quantum computing, semiconductors, and other emerging technologies. In March 2023, China and Russia agreed to deepen scientific cooperation to benefit their military technology research goals.
The QISCPT works with over 200 organizations through the Quantum Economic Development Consortium to provide security resources and threat mitigation. The FBI emphasizes that quantum information science could enable revolutionary advances in computing, communication networks, medical imaging, and materials science, making it a critical national security concern. The agency is conducting outreach to research institutions and private companies to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and coordinate counterintelligence investigations.
The FBI recommends organizations establish reporting systems for suspicious activities, monitor networks continuously, require disclosure of foreign research associations, and be cautious of unusual collaboration offers or complex shipping arrangements. Organizations should report suspected compromises to their local FBI field office or through the FBI's tip line.
Source reporting: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/protecting-quantum-science-and-technology
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