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Quantum computing might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s becoming an undeniable reality. As tech giants race to harness its power, it’s quickly transforming the world of cybersecurity. Imagine a new frontier where encryption as we know it could become obsolete.
The rise of quantum computing could open a dangerous door for hackers and cybercriminals, and what we once thought was secure may no longer be.
Curious about how this technology will change the digital landscape? Click on to discover how quantum computing might redefine the future of cybersecurity—and what organizations can do to stay ahead of the curve.
Quantum computing is a groundbreaking technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in a way that traditional computers cannot.
Instead of using bits, which represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or "qubits."
These qubits can exist in multiple states at once, thanks to a phenomenon known as "superposition," allowing quantum computers to solve certain complex problems much faster than conventional computers.
Quantum computing was first proposed in the 1980s by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, who realized that classical computers could not simulate quantum systems effectively.
In the 1990s, computer scientists Peter Shor and Lov Grover made significant breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, setting the stage for practical quantum computing.
Since then, the field has evolved, and many tech giants and research labs are now working to make quantum computing a reality.
IBM is one of the prominent technology companies actively developing quantum computing technologies.
In November 2022, IBM unveiled its Osprey processor, a 433-qubit system, marking a significant advancement in quantum hardware.
Additionally, IBM has partnered with financial institutions such as Barclays and JPMorgan Chase to explore practical applications of quantum computing in finance.
As quantum computing promises to solve complex problems using qubits, cybersecurity professionals are worried it could outpace current encryption methods.
The ability to break encryption rapidly could expose sensitive data in ways previously unimaginable.
The global quantum computing market is projected to hit US$50 billion by the end of this decade, making it essential for organizations to plan their defenses accordingly.
Although quantum computing could be a massive breakthrough for technology, it also presents significant risks.
Its immense processing power could make existing encryption methods obsolete, allowing cybercriminals to break into encrypted data.
This poses a severe risk for enterprises and governments relying on encryption to safeguard sensitive information.
While 93% of malware already hides behind encrypted traffic, quantum computing would give cybercriminals the ability to decrypt that traffic.
This would empower malicious actors to adopt a “decrypt now, harvest later” strategy, quickly identifying and exploiting hidden vulnerabilities in network traffic.
The consequences of such breaches could be devastating for businesses and public organizations as everything, from personal customer information to government secrets, is currently protected by encryption. Such breaches could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and the loss of intellectual property.
The increased processing power of quantum computing could also push AI to new heights
Combining AI and quantum computing creates new vulnerabilities for organizations to address. AI has already facilitated complex cyberattacks, like AI-driven phishing schemes and deepfakes.
With quantum computing, these threats will only grow more sophisticated as attackers find new ways to exploit systems' weaknesses. The 2024 Microsoft Data Security Index revealed that AI-related security incidents nearly doubled in 2024.
In a notable 2024 incident, an employee, deceived by deepfake technology, reportedly transferred US$25 million to fraudsters posing as his company's CFO.
Experts say traditional cybersecurity methods can't keep up with evolving threats, meaning static security configurations are no longer effective, a problem compounded by quantum computing's processing speed.
Security teams should focus on building resilience by adopting practices that anticipate future threats. This includes continuously updating encryption protocols, investing in new security technologies, and ensuring that staff are trained to handle evolving threats.
To prepare for escalating cybersecurity threats, organizations should adopt proactive measures, says Chaim Mazal, Gigamon's Chief Security Officer and a Forbes Council Member.
According to Mazal, a key approach to protecting networks in this new era is implementing a zero-trust framework, which assumes that no user, device, or system can be inherently trusted and manages network access in real time, minimizing the chance of unauthorized access.
With deep observability, organizations can gain a comprehensive view of their network traffic, improving their ability to detect and respond to threats.
As AI becomes more integrated into cybersecurity strategies, it’s essential to ensure that the data being fed into AI models is not corrupted by malicious actors by monitoring network traffic and data flows.
Stronger public-private collaboration is needed to address sophisticated threats, especially those posed by quantum computing and AI. While the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advocates for modern tactics, industry-wide cooperation is crucial to enhance resilience.
The shift to a more adaptive cybersecurity model is about more than just technology—it’s a change in mindset. Collaboration and adaptability will be key to thriving in the quantum computing era. "Only those who prepare and embrace these three steps will have a chance to catch up to cybercriminals," warns Mazal.
Sources: (Forbes) (Tech Monitor) (IBM Newsroom) (The Quantum Insider)
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Quantum computing might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s becoming an undeniable reality. As tech giants race to harness its power, it’s quickly transforming the world of cybersecurity. Imagine a new frontier where encryption as we know it could become obsolete.
The rise of quantum computing could open a dangerous door for hackers and cybercriminals, and what we once thought was secure may no longer be.
Curious about how this technology will change the digital landscape? Click on to discover how quantum computing might redefine the future of cybersecurity—and what organizations can do to stay ahead of the curve.