Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity: Preparing for the Future

Today’s world moves at lightning speed compared to the previous generation. To stay ahead of the curve, you must be innovative and understand the intricacies of quantum computing and cybersecurity. With its unparalleled processing capabilities, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the digital world. However, it comes with a challenge. Let’s address how quantum computing and cyber security are intertwined.

What Is Quantum Computing?

In its broadest definition, quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field that combines physics, mathematics, and computer science. It uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems much faster than standard computers, using effects like superposition and quantum interference. Quantum computing can boost speeds for things like deep learning by using quantum bits, usually called qubits.

Since the 1980s, quantum computing has been employing quantum algorithms, which can tackle problems much faster than traditional computers. Qubits are a fundamental part of quantum algorithms. Quantum algorithms use unique properties like superposition and entanglement to simultaneously examine many different options, helping them quickly find the best answers to tough problems.

Classical computing and quantum computing are different ways of solving problems using computers. In classical computing, computers process information using bits, like tiny switches that can be either on or off, representing 0s or 1s. This means classical computers can only look at one possibility at a time when solving a problem.

On the other hand, quantum computing uses qubits, which can be both on and off simultaneously, thanks to a property called superposition. This lets quantum computers explore many possibilities all at once, making them potentially much faster than classical computers for specific tasks. So, while classical computers are suitable for everyday tasks like browsing the internet or sending emails, quantum computers have the potential to tackle difficult problems much more quickly.

Potential Threats to Cybersecurity from Quantum Computing

Although quantum computing is still in its infancy, it could potentially cause cybersecurity issues. While it shows much promise in many areas of computing, such as research and artificial intelligence, it currently poses a threat to the security of data. 

Quantum computing can significantly impact cybersecurity in three distinct areas: encryption, cryptographic infrastructure, and data breach risks. Let’s examine each one.

Encryption Vulnerabilities

Financial transactions, passwords, and otherwise personal information could become more vulnerable to decryption by quantum computers, which have the ability to solve problems quickly by employing Shor’s algorithm. Developed in 1994 by mathematician Peter Shor, it could pose big problems for the cybersecurity industry. In short, Shor’s algorithm can factor large numbers much quicker than today’s algorithms.

The RSA encryption algorithm commonly used today to protect data relies heavily on factoring large numbers into their prime factors. However, if Shor’s algorithm is used on a large enough quantum computer, it could potentially factor these large numbers much faster than the algorithms that are employed today.

Cryptographic Infrastructure

As more focus and research are performed on making quantum computers faster and more powerful, they become more of a threat to widely used cryptographic protocols, such as RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography). Cryptographic infrastructure is a crucial factor in modern cybersecurity, and if quantum computing continues to advance, it could lead to widespread data protection vulnerabilities.

Data Breach Risks

Data stored in databases and cloud services could become more vulnerable to quantum computing’s superior decryption capabilities. This threat opens up a frightening world of hackers who could possibly attack even the most modern cybersecurity methods and tools.

Authentication and Identity Management

Another area of cybersecurity that could be at risk of quantum computing is authentication and identity management systems that safeguard user verification and access control systems. Passwords and cryptographic keys used for authentication may become increasingly vulnerable to quantum attacks. Organizations that want to stay ahead of the trend and proactively protect their data may be forced to develop and employ quantum-resistant tactics.

Should Organizations Be Concerned About Quantum Computing?

Some industry experts are hailing quantum computing as the next era of technology. In a short time, the world went from analog to digital. Although the quantum era may still be years away from becoming the new standard, organizations that want to stay ahead should, at the very least, begin to take notice.

Quantum computing is revolutionizing the IT industry, and ignoring that it could soon become the industry norm could prove hazardous, not only on a competitive level but also in terms of cybersecurity. Organizations that invest time and money into quantum computing research and how it can add value will have a much better chance of becoming leaders in their industry.

The biggest threat that quantum computers can pose to organizations is their ability to infiltrate databases. Companies that are beginning to question their cybersecurity if and when quantum computers become the norm will fare better than those who feel that it’s far too far off in the distance.

Which Companies Are Using Quantum Computing in 2024?

In the not-too-distant future, quantum computers will be more readily available. Currently, they’re only employed by the financial powerhouses around the world that can afford to invest their finances into incredibly costly hardware and software. However, a few organizations have already dove into this unique, futuristic technology.

IBM

It probably comes as no surprise that IBM is on the list of companies currently using quantum computing. IBM Quantum Composer and the IBM Quantum Lab created an online platform, aptly named BM Quantum, open to the public and premium members to access cloud-based quantum computing services. In December 2023, IBM unveiled the IBM Condor, which boosts a mind-boggling 1,121 superconducting qubits.

Microsoft

In September 2017, the company announced its forthcoming quantum computing programming language, predictably named Q#. Although the company had made some boastful claims about its successes with quantum computing, a team of scientists in the Nederlands retracted a paper that claimed the discovery of Majorana particles. Undaunted, in 2023, announced several updates to Q# along with advancements towards developing a quantum supercomputer. Their efforts have primarily been focused on the scientific community.

Amazon

As expected, this global super-retailer has dipped more than its toes into quantum computing technology. AWS Bracket was introduced in 2020 and offers the public a unique pay-as-you-go model that allows access to their quantum cloud service. 

Google

In 2013, this worldwide-known company created Google Quantum AI, a collaborative effort comprised of Google, NASA, and the Universities Space Research Association. Their focus is on the hardware and software geared towards the development of quantum algorithms aimed at solving practical problems. Google Quantum AI has been instrumental in battling the challenges of quantum computing and how it affects machine learning.

Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, and the Future

While it may be some time before quantum computing and supercomputers become the norm, they continue to evolve. Organizations should take heed early since the challenges of cybersecurity are about to become infinitely more challenging. This new technology holds a lot of potential and promise, but it also inherently adds a lot of risk when it comes to protecting data.