Five Years Until Cyber Security Changes Forever.

The quantum race is on. You’ve probably heard of quantum computing and may even understand how it works. But did you know some experts estimate that the technology could be up and running in just five years?  

Quantum computing, which works on the principles of quantum mechanics, is so powerful that it offers enormous potential in a wide range of fields, and it will be game-changing in some industries, including cyber security.   

While some of the world’s biggest tech companies and largest nation-states have joined the quantum race by investing large sums of money into research and development, engineers still need to overcome significant technological challenges before they produce a practical and reliable machine that can be used at scale.  

Classical cryptography versus quantum computing 

The full spectrum of cyber security available today completely depends on classical computing to protect systems, networks, and data from cybercriminals. 

In the realm of computing, classical computers – including the most advanced supercomputers capable of performing quadrillions of calculations per second – rely on bits and bytes, processing information strictly as 0s and 1s. In contrast, quantum computers operate using qubits, which can simultaneously represent both 0 and 1 thanks to a phenomenon known as superposition. This ability allows quantum computers to handle vast amounts of data at once, offering unprecedented speed and computational power due to the principles of quantum mechanics. 

To illustrate the difference between classical and quantum computing, imagine navigating a complex maze. A classical computer explores one path at a time, while a quantum computer can simultaneously explore all possible routes, finding the exit far more swiftly. This unique capability means that quantum technology holds the potential to solve problems that would take even the fastest classical computers millions or even billions of years to crack. 

The fastest supercomputers handle quadrillions of calculations per second, but quantum computing is measured in qubits. According to Securityium, Google’s Willow quantum computer uses 108 qubits, while IBM leads with over 1,000 qubits. In February 2025, Microsoft introduced Majorana 1, a quantum processor with eight topological qubits that reduce errors, suggesting it needs fewer qubits than its competitors. Several tech companies aim to build quantum computers with 1 million qubits. 

Quantum computing potentially poses a significant threat to all established cyber security. In the wrong hands, an operational quantum computer could be used to break through any encrypted algorithm used today. This would make passwords pointless, and it makes the point that quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques are needed in the next few years.  

When will quantum computers threaten cyber security? 

Estimates differ on when quantum computing will become practical for solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers. The term ‘Years to Quantum (Y2Q)’ estimates the time until then, when quantum computers could potentially break current cryptographic systems, posing risks to personal privacy and the global economy.  

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, advises organisations to prepare their IT systems for quantum threats by 2035. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has called on both private and public sector organisations to collaborate in preparing for a new post-quantum cryptographic standard to counter future threats. 

Y2Q predictions range from 5 to 20 years, influenced by advances in software, hardware, algorithms, commercial viability, and industrial adoption. Whatever Y2Q turns out to be, it’s a major concern for numerous industries, not least the financial sector. 

Why wait until it’s too late? Start preparing for the quantum computing age today. 

Our experts have written a guide discussing insights ‘Cyber Security for the Quantum Computing Age’, to help you learn more about quantum computing and how you can start preparing your organisation for Y2Q. Read the full report here.