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What is quantum computing? -

Quantum computing is a groundbreaking technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in a way that traditional computers cannot.

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How does it work? -

Instead of using bits, which represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or "qubits."

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How does it work? -

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.

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How did it start? -

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.

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Evolution -

In the 1990s, computer scientists Peter Shor and Lov Grover made significant breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, setting the stage for practical quantum computing.

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Getting real -

Since then, the field has evolved, and many tech giants and research labs are now working to make quantum computing a reality.

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Big tech -

​IBM is one of the prominent technology companies  actively developing quantum computing technologies.

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Powerful processor -

In November 2022, IBM unveiled its Osprey processor, a 433-qubit system, marking a significant advancement in quantum hardware.

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Applications -

Additionally, IBM has partnered with financial institutions such as Barclays and JPMorgan Chase to explore practical applications of quantum computing in finance.

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Cybersecurity concerns -

As quantum computing promises to solve complex problems using qubits, cybersecurity professionals are worried it could outpace current encryption methods.

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Dangerous in the wrong hands -

The ability to break encryption rapidly could expose sensitive data in ways previously unimaginable.

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On the rise -

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.

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Risks -

Although quantum computing could be a massive breakthrough for technology, it also presents significant risks.

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Processing power -

Its immense processing power could make existing encryption methods obsolete, allowing cybercriminals to break into encrypted data.

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Serious threat -

This poses a severe risk for enterprises and governments relying on encryption to safeguard sensitive information.

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Silent "infostealers" -

While 93% of malware already hides behind encrypted traffic, quantum computing would give cybercriminals the ability to decrypt that traffic.

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Learn, then attack -

This would empower malicious actors to adopt a “decrypt now, harvest later” strategy, quickly identifying and exploiting hidden vulnerabilities in network traffic.

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Devastating consequences -

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.

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Adding AI into the mix -

The increased processing power of quantum computing could also push AI to new heights

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New vulnerabilities -

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.

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Dangerous combo -

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.

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AI-powered attacks -

In a notable 2024 incident, an employee, deceived by deepfake technology, reportedly transferred US$25 million to fraudsters posing as his company's CFO.

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Update needed -

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.

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One step ahead -

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.

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What to do? -

To prepare for escalating cybersecurity threats, organizations should adopt proactive measures, says Chaim Mazal, Gigamon's Chief Security Officer and a Forbes Council Member.

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Zero-trust framework -

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.

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Deep observability -

With deep observability, organizations can gain a comprehensive view of their network traffic, improving their ability to detect and respond to threats.

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Deep observability -

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.

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Industry collaboration -

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.

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Start preparing -

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)

See also: The biggest cyber attacks in history

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