Quantum computing or quantum technology is an exceptionally disruptive innovation of the 21st century. Classical computers process information in bits while quantum computers use qubits, which are basically in more than one state. This is further enabled by the transformation of computing technologies, which in turn are the fastest, most powerful, and most complicated logic operations.

This article showcases the breakthroughs in quantum computing and the tremendous impact it has on encryption, drug discovery, and AI. It also offers real-life applications and commentary on how companies are preparing for the upsurge of this technological revolution.

Understanding Quantum Computing

Quantum computing, a feature of quantum physics, governs the behavior of particles at the smallest scales. In contrast to classical bits, qubits may occupy two states at a time due to superposition. Quantum computers can calculate faster and handle exponentially more data. One can buy YouTube watchtime and easily find more information about quantum computing.

Entanglement constitutes the foundation of quantum computing. Every entangled qubit responds quickly to any alterations in any other, even if they are situated far away from each other. This feature ensures great efficiency of quantum computers in processing complex datasets.

Current Advancements in Quantum Computing

A quantum computer that can be fully used in a race is being developed. Technology enterprises like IBM, Google, and Intel, which specialize in research tasks, are in first place.

Google launched a claim called “quantum supremacy” in 2019 when their machine solved a task that would have taken supercomputers thousands of years.

The Quantum Experience of IBM enables researchers and developers to experiment with quantum algorithms via cloud-based quantum computing.

Intel specializes in making quantum devices that can be scaled to include more qubits while still being robust.

Microsoft Azure Quantum is a platform that combines both cloud computing and quantum computing. They started working on a topological quantum computer, which should be a more stable and reliable version than the current ones.

Cryptography: A Game-Changer for Security

Quantum computing will immediately affect encryption. Encryption solutions for online banking and national security systems use the fact that regular computers take too long to solve certain mathematical problems. But quantum computers can fix these issues almost instantly.

Quantum computers might break RSA and ECC in seconds using Shor’s technique. This has raised worries about data security with governments and organizations investing in post-quantum cryptography, which will be safe against quantum assaults.

This change will need significant quantum-safe algorithm investments in banking, healthcare, and communications. New quantum-resistant encryption standards are being developed by companies to prepare for this change.

Drug Discovery: Faster, More Efficient Research

The introduction of quantum computing into the pharmaceutical business is of paramount importance. The long-term and high costs usually associated with drug development are among the major challenges to tick off. The technique of simulating molecules has been impossible on ordinary computers, which made checking new solutions challenging for researchers.

Quantum computers might, though, simulate the complex chemical interactions that exist in the process. The modeling of protein folding by these computers assists researchers in the treatment and cure of diseases. This could lead to a more rapid discovery and greater efficacy in the drug design.

Biogen and Roche are the two leading pharmaceutical companies that have taken the initiative to delve into quantum computing to quicken the drug development pace. Quantum algorithms can be utilized as a tool in probing extraterrestrial chemical spaces via their capabilities of predicting more accurate results, besides the fact that they cut down on research’s trial-and-error course.

Artificial Intelligence: New Heights of Machine Learning

AI quantum computing is a strong combination of resources, which really ameliorates problem-solving and also works better than any supervised programming method. It has been achieved in a variety of ways, such as with knowledge, and many of them have already replaced your job. AI needs to have specialized information on each subject and make calculations, often with complex algorithms.

A close look at this technology’s potential in optimizing algorithms for AI points to the exact advantage of AI’s high computing speed in parallel computing. This is a big deal when optimization problems are involved, so AI has to choose the best solution from several alternatives.

For example, self-driving vehicles reduce the complexity of maneuvering in traffic and choosing the route with minimal distance. If quantum computers are involved, these operations will be solved much faster and more accurately.

Practical Applications of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing will change industries in theory and practice. Some locations where it’s making a difference:

• Logistics: DHL and FedEx can use quantum algorithms to discover the quickest delivery routes. This will save gas and money and improve supply networks.
• Energy: Quantum computing optimizes energy networks for power distribution efficiency. Quantum computing is being used by ExxonMobil to model energy systems to improve energy production and storage decisions.
• Finance: In finance, quantum computers can predict market patterns and optimize portfolios using large information. Quantum computing is being studied by JPMorgan Chase to better risk analysis and trading.
• Climate Modeling: Quantum computers might model complicated weather and climate systems. This may improve climate change predictions and mitigation measures.

Practical applications of quantum computing demonstrate its ability to solve complex problems across industries. More companies employing quantum technology will save money, improve efficiency, and make better judgments. This technology can tackle global challenges like energy management and climate change, suggesting it could soon touch our globe.

Preparing for the Quantum Future

Quantum computing is being prepared for by several sectors. The early stage of quantum computers is a huge hurdle. They have great potential, but qubit stability and error correction are challenges.

Google and IBM are helping organizations investigate quantum solutions to prepare. They’re funding quantum research laboratories, teaching quantum programming, and adopting quantum-ready cryptography.

Governments see quantum computing’s promise. The National Quantum Initiative Act funds U.S. quantum research. Similarly, the EU created the 10-year Quantum Flagship to promote quantum technology.

Conclusion: A Transformative Technology

Quantum computing will transform encryption, drug research, and AI. Its power comes from solving challenges standard computers cannot. Quantum technology has huge promise, and companies are investing in it.

When will quantum computing transform the world? Companies and governments are preparing for it. The revolution is coming, and those who are ready will profit first.

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Sep 06, 20244 mins

Quantum ComputingRegulationSecurity

In an era where technological advancements continually reshape our world, one of the most significant emerging threats is quantum computing.

This powerful technology, while promising revolutionary benefits, poses a substantial risk to our current cybersecurity infrastructure. As we stand on the brink of this quantum revolution, it is imperative to understand the potential dangers and prepare accordingly.

Technology tamfitronics The quantum leap

Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations at speeds unimaginable with classical computers. In 2019, Google proclaimed to have demonstrated “quantum supremacy” when its Sycamore processor solved a problem in 200 seconds that would take the most advanced classical supercomputers nearly 10,000 years.

While the specific feat was disputed, there is no denying that quantum computing has made tremendous strides toward computation capabilities that are far beyond today’s fastest HPC systems. More recent progress signals the approaching reality of quantum computers capable of breaking existing encryption methods.

Current encryption methods, which protect everything from personal data to national security information, rely on the difficulty of solving mathematical problems that classical computers cannot handle efficiently. Quantum computers, however, can solve these problems exponentially faster, rendering traditional encryption obsolete. The risks include:

• Data Interception and Misuse: All encrypted data could be at risk of interception and decryption by quantum computers.
• “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Attacks: Malicious actors might collect encrypted data now with the intention of decrypting it once quantum computers become available.
• Compromise of Critical Systems: Failure to migrate to quantum-safe algorithms could lead to breaches in critical business and functional systems, affecting industries like healthcare, finance, and government.

In August 2021, the US National Security Agency (NSA) announced that “adversarial use of a quantum computer could have devastating effects on National Security Systems and the nation as a whole. The enhanced security measures employed by quantum cryptography make it virtually difficult to breach and tackle this situation, offering a level of protection that far exceeds traditional encryption methods, driving the market growth.”

Technology tamfitronics Who should be concerned?

Organizations handling confidential data with long-term confidentiality needs, such as personal identifiable information (PII), personal health information (PHI), legal documents, and intellectual property, are at significant risk. Additionally, organizations providing systems with long lifespans, such as medical devices, and suppliers to critical industries must prioritize preparing for quantum threats.

Preparing for the quantum era

The question is not if quantum computers will break current encryption, but when. Predictions vary, with some experts estimating significant impacts within the next decade. For example, Deloitte suggests serious quantum threats could emerge within ten years, while Forrester forecasts a 50% to 70% chance within five years.

Steps to mitigation

To mitigate these impending threats, organizations must adopt a proactive approach:

1. Understand Business Contexts and Objectives: Recognize how quantum threats impact specific business operations and data.
2. Identify Quantum Threats: Assess which aspects of the business are most vulnerable to quantum attacks.
3. Define Target Maturity: Set goals for achieving quantum-safe security measures.
4. Assess Current Capabilities: Evaluate existing security measures against future quantum threats.
5. Focus on Priorities: Prioritize areas that need immediate attention to enhance quantum resilience.
6. Develop a Quantum Security Roadmap: Create a detailed plan for transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography algorithms.
7. Show Value from Investments: Communicate the importance and benefits of quantum security investments to stakeholders.
8. Raise Awareness: Educate all levels of the organization about the quantum threat and necessary precautions.

Technology tamfitronics Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) initiatives

Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is a current top national security priority for most governments. NIST has been struggling with figuring out the next gen FIPS 140.3 (512 bit) regulatory PQC standards, with the very first release starting in August 2024. Of which, Quantum Knight is within the first group of FIPS 140.3 module validations.

These new NIST PQC algorithms are raw ciphers only, not a cryptographic system like CLEAR. After their release on August 13, these NIST algorithms will now have to be made useful and implemented over the next 3-10 years across the entire data ecosystem mentioned above.

Google, Apple, IBM, and others have started upgrading the cryptography within their systems and services and started industry consortiums to begin to discuss and learn how they can implement and make these new algorithms useful for their customers. These efforts only attempt to upgrade their current broken distributed data ecosystem (i.e. the hops/jumps/pass-thrus).

Technology tamfitronics The road ahead

Transitioning to quantum-safe algorithms is not a straightforward process. It involves:

• Collaboration: Working with academia, industry, and governments to develop and standardize quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Resource Allocation: Investing wisely in quantum security technologies and processes.
• Education: Ensuring stakeholders understand the risks and necessary measures using clear and common terms.
• Comprehensive Approach: Beyond algorithms, reevaluating protocols, standards, and hardware components to ensure holistic security.

Despite these advancements, the real challenge lies in the implementation and integration of quantum cryptographic solutions.

Many companies struggle to transition from theoretical models to practical applications, resulting in a gap between promise and performance. This is where pioneering startups such as Quantum Knight come in, providing robust and reliable solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards.

Technology tamfitronics Conclusion

The advent of quantum computing is a double-edged sword, offering unparalleled computational power while threatening to undermine our current cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations must act now, understanding the threat, preparing for the inevitable, and transitioning to quantum-safe practices.

While the timeline remains uncertain, the proactive steps taken today will safeguard the future against the quantum threat.

Amir Vashkover is a seasoned technology leader with vast experience in both operational and leadership roles within the field of Cybersecurity. He currently leads Philips’ Data Security division and is a board advisor at post-quantum encryption provider Quantum Knight. Before that, Amir held leadership positions across multiple industries, including roles as CISO, VP of Business development and Product management. He holds a university degree in Electrical & Computer engineering, and an MBA from leading universities in Israel.