Advantages of quantum computing to cyber defenders 

Quantum computing might seem a long way off, but many experts predict that it’s only five years before the first reliable and practical quantum computers will be up and running. This time is known as ‘Years to Quantum (Y2Q)’.   

The technology is expected to outpace even the fastest supercomputers in use today. And so, while it promised to help companies, governments, universities, and other institutions solve some major challenges which seem insurmountable today, quantum computing also poses a huge problem to cyber security. As it stands, quantum computing will make cyber security defenceless.     

At the same time that tech giants and a handful of nation-states are investing heavily in advancing the technology, governments, academia, and the private sector need to join forces to ensure that today’s economic and financial institutions, communications, and critical national infrastructure will be safe when the quantum computing age begins.    

The key benefits of quantum computing will include: 

• Enhanced cryptographic techniques, including quantum-resistant cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) 

• Ultra-fast threat detection and response 

• Optimisation of security protocols 

• Advanced simulation capabilities 

• Secure communication channels using quantum encryption and post-quantum cryptography 

• Enhanced data privacy. 

At Quorum Cyber, we believe that it’s crucial for organisations to start taking proactive measures, including adopting quantum-safe technologies, to mitigate the inevitable risks that are on the horizon. 

What organisations can start doing now 

The work needed to prepare for the age of quantum computing might seem daunting, but there are five priority areas that organisations can start working on today to get ready for Y2Q: 

1. Adopt post-quantum cryptography
2. Use hybrid cryptography  
3. Employ QKD for ultra-secure communication channels, leveraging the laws of quantum physics 
4. Monitor and Prepare 
5. Collaborate: Participate in industry standards organisations and follow best practices for a quantum-secure future. 

How Quorum Cyber can help your organisation prepare for Y2Q 

Preparing for quantum computing starts with assessing a company’s vulnerabilities. Quorum Cyber’s team of specialists can help businesses by providing a Quantum Risk Assessment (QRA) to map encryption-dependent systems, identifying long-term confidential data (e.g., financial records), and evaluating risks such as “Harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. 

Using the Microsoft Quantum Development Kit, Quorum Cyber can simulate quantum algorithms to test their impact on your standard cryptography while also checking for physical security issues in QKD-based devices. 

Finally, our experts can provide cryptographic assets and protocols, ensuring smooth migration to quantum-safe encryption standards such as NIST and post-quantum cryptography (PQC). 

The future of quantum computing in cyber security        

The huge sums of money and intellectual resources being put into quantum computing means that it’s really just a matter of time before the technology will come online. This will inevitably threaten the effectiveness of today’s cyber security technologies. Assuming Y2Q is only five years’ away, organisations need to start preparing for this paradigm shift today. While this might seem insurmountable, actions can be taken to prepare for the age of quantum computing. By taking the first steps now, businesses won’t have to risk trying to catch up when Y2Q is looming.   

Now’s the time to start preparing for Y2Q 

Quantum computing needn’t be a concern. Our free guide Cyber Security for the Quantum Computing Age, explains what organisations can start doing now and details how Quorum Cyber can support you.