Why you might need to brush up on quantum computing

The idea of quantum computing sounds like something from science fiction. Not to be taken seriously! Except, it’s already in the experimental stage, with some tech companies suggesting it will be a reality in the not-too-distant future.

If that’s true, then imagine if instead of processing data bit by bit, your computer could do it all simultaneously, in the blink of an eye. It would be mind-blowing! But, that’s exactly what quantum claims to do, making computing power infinitely greater than anything that’s gone before.

Developed using the theory of quantum physics, one day it could start a computing revolution, supercharging the speed and power of data processing. And when coupled with technologies like AI, the potential could be staggering. Tasks and problems that would take traditional computers hundreds, if not thousands, of years to complete, will take just a few seconds.

So, how does it work?

You won’t be surprised to hear, it’s unbelievably complex. As theoretical physicist, Richard Feynman is attributed as saying, “Anyone who claims to understand quantum theory is either lying or crazy”.

Basically, it comes down to the way computing bits work. That’s the underlying zeros and ones all programming relies on. In traditional computing they are known as binary bits and must be either in a format of zero or one. Whereas quantum bits, ‘qubits’, stay in a kind of hybrid state of both formats until another interaction forces them to make a choice of zero or one.

If that sounds far-fetched, it gets crazier. These qubits can be linked together so that altering the state of one instantaneously changes the state of another - regardless of the distance between them. That’s not just around the world, but across the universe!

It’s this reaction which activates quantum computing’s superpower. Impossible for most of us to comprehend. But as with any tech, you don’t need to know exactly how or why it works to take advantage of its capabilities – or to be wary of how it could be weaponised.

What are the cybersecurity risks?

In the cybersecurity industry, there’s already concern about the potential impact on encryption. Quantum computing could make mincemeat of today’s solutions, quickly decrypting all the algorithms protecting data around the globe. But, as you’d expect, security professionals will also be able to harness the same power to create far more sophisticated levels of cryptology. As ever, it will be a battle between the good and bad guys.

At the moment, organisations should probably be more worried about the potential time bomb in data that has already been exfiltrated or might be stolen over coming years. Take for example a ransomware attack. Often much of the data extracted remains encrypted so it can’t be leveraged by criminals. However, if that information isn’t destroyed, it could be decrypted when the right tech – like quantum computing – comes along. That could be anything from sensitive corporate data to personal information, confidential emails, videos, legal evidence – the list is endless.

It’s highly likely there’s all sorts of details lying dormant that could one day be held to ransom, used for blackmail or to ruin reputations and careers. And it won’t take long before cybercriminals catch on and keep data in anticipation – if they aren’t doing it already.

It means if you haven’t tied up all the loose ends from a past breach, then it could come back to bite again when you least expect it.

And, in the future?

Of course, there will be many positives too. Quantum computing could be applied to areas like molecular biology, helping to develop new drugs quickly, finding cures for diseases and discovering ways to prevent genetic disorders. In business, it will have multiple applications such as financial analysis and supply chain optimisation, speeding up problem-solving across all manner of scenarios.

But we’re not there yet; maybe ten years off, perhaps more. Or there could be a leap in maturity similar to the recent rise of AI, then quantum computing could suddenly explode onto the market. Who knows. It will be an extraordinary time whenever it happens.

And, if you want to delve deeper into this amazing concept, try reading, “Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed” by Jim Al-Khalili. That’s if you happen to have a brain the size of a planet…