Quantum computers are not yet in general use, but they’ve been under development for decades.
Quantum computers are not yet in general use, though they’ve been under development for several decades. Quantum computing works with quantum bits (qubits), which are like regular bits but can be in multiple states at once. While it’s difficult to explain exactly how this works, the basic idea is that qubits can represent both 0 and 1 at the same time, giving them an exponential advantage over traditional binary systems. They’re also very fast—a quantum computer with just 300 qubits could theoretically perform calculations millions of times faster than a supercomputer running on classical logic.
In the world of computing, quantum computing is a game-changer. While traditional computers use binary bits to store information in “yes” or “no” states, quantum computers use qubits that can exist in both states simultaneously. This allows them to perform multiple calculations at once and do so much faster than traditional computers. But while quantum computing has many promising applications, such as developing new drugs and materials, it also presents serious risks for businesses operating in regulated industries—and not just because of its potential impact on encryption methods used to protect data stored on cloud servers.
Creating a functional quantum computer requires complex physical infrastructure.
Physically, the hardware of a functional quantum computer is complex. In order to be able to run computations, it must be cooled to extremely low temperatures and isolated from vibrations and other disturbances. These requirements make it difficult to create large-scale quantum computers as they require an enormous amount of energy and cooling capability. Additionally, these computers need enough memory capabilities in order to communicate with each other and process large amounts of data at once.
A functional quantum computer could be used to break existing encryption methods, potentially exposing much of the world’s data to theft and fraud.
Quantum computers could be used to break encryption methods, potentially exposing much of the world’s data to theft and fraud.
A functional quantum computer would be able to break the encryption algorithms used in most current day communications, including emails and banking transactions. This means that any information encrypted using today’s methods would no longer be secure.
As businesses adopt cloud computing as their primary delivery model for IT services, the security of data stored in cloud environments is of paramount importance.
As businesses adopt cloud computing as their primary delivery model for IT services, the security of data stored in cloud environments is of paramount importance. The cloud offers a tempting target for hackers because it has a large attack surface and is highly vulnerable to all the same types of attacks as a traditional network. But there are also new types of attacks that could be launched against clouds, including quantum computing-based attacks.
The prospect of quantum computing being able to break encryption within the next decade or so represents a risk that companies can’t afford to ignore.
The prospect of quantum computing being able to break encryption within the next decade or so represents a risk that companies can’t afford to ignore.
Data encryption is the only way to protect data from being breached, but quantum computing may be able destroy this protection within our lifetimes. Quantum computers are incredibly fast at solving certain types of problems, and they could theoretically be used for good or evil. If you’re not concerned about the risks associated with quantum computing, you should be!
You need to act now!
We at IronCAP™ have been trying to educate businesses and individuals that Q-day (the day the first quantum hack is publicly recognized) is around the corner and everybody needs to gear up. Nation states and governments are already at it, how about you? To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.
IronCAP™ is our latest innovation for the post-quantum cybersecurity. This patent-protected, post-quantum cryptographic system is based on the Goppa Code-based cryptographic technology. It has embedded our proprietary subclass of (L, G) making it not only more secured but also has faster cryptographic operations (key generation, encryption, decryption) than the traditional Goppa Code-based technology (McEliece). We are offering a live demonstration for the general public to try and experience the strength of IronCAP™ post-quantum encryption easily. To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.