PROTECTING COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN THE POST-QUANTUM WORLD

Information Sheet

Title of the Project: Protecting Computer Systems in the Post-Quantum World
Principal Investigator: Thomas C. Gerlach, Doctoral Candidate, Helm’s School of Government, Liberty University

Key Information about the Research Study
You are invited to participate in a research study. To participate, you must be at least 18 years old and be either an IT professional or a technology educator.

Things you should know:

· The purpose of the study is to understand the knowledge technology professionals have regarding quantum computing and if they can act as capable guardians in protecting our computer systems against motivated offenders - such as computer hackers or foreign government entities. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
· Study subjects will receive no direct benefits from study participation.
· Taking part in this research project is voluntary. You do not have to participate, and you can stop at any time.

Please read this entire form and ask questions before deciding whether to participate in this research.

What is the study about, and why is it being done?
The purpose of the study is to understand the knowledge technology professionals have regarding quantum computing and if they have the skills necessary to defend against future quantum threats.

What will happen if you take part in this study?
If you agree to be in this study, I will ask you to do the following:
1. Participate in an online survey that will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

How could you or others benefit from this study?
Participants should not expect a direct benefit from participating in this study.

Benefits to society include a better understanding of the knowledge computer professionals have regarding quantum computing and how it will impact homeland security.

What risks might you experience from being in this study?
The expected risks from participating in this study are minimal, which means they are equal to the risks you would encounter in everyday life.

How will personal information be protected?
The records of this study will be kept private. Research records will be stored securely, and only the researcher and the researcher’s faculty supervisor will have access to the records.

· Participant responses will be anonymous.
· Data will be encrypted, stored on a USB drive, and placed in a safe deposit box. Only the researcher and his faculty sponsor will have access to the data. After five years, all electronic records will be deleted.

Is the researcher in a position of authority over participants, or does the researcher have a financial conflict of interest?
The researcher serves as a Manager at KUBRA. To limit a potential or perceived conflict, data collection will be anonymous, so the researcher will not know who participated. This disclosure lets you decide if this relationship will affect your willingness to participate. No action will be taken against an individual based on his or her decision to participate or not participate in this study.

Is study participation voluntary?
Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision whether to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Liberty University. If you decide to participate, you are free not to answer any question or withdraw at any time before submitting the survey without affecting those relationships.

What should you do if you decide to withdraw from the study?
If you choose to withdraw from the study, please exit the survey and close your internet browser. Your responses will not be recorded or included in the study.

Whom do you contact if you have questions or concerns about the study?
The researcher conducting this study is Thomas C. Gerlach. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact him at tcgerlach@liberty.edu. You may also contact the researcher’s faculty sponsor, Dr. Jared Perry, at jperry32@liberty.edu.

Whom do you contact if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and want to talk to someone other than the researcher, you are encouraged to contact the IRB. Our physical address is Institutional Review Board, 1971 University Blvd., Green Hall Ste. 2845, Lynchburg, VA, 24515; our phone number is 434-592-5530, and our email address is irb@liberty.edu.

Disclaimer: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensures that human subjects research will be conducted ethically as defined and required by federal regulations. The topics covered and viewpoints expressed or alluded to by student and faculty researchers are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Liberty University.