Quantum Computing & Encryption: Risks, Opportunities, and Implications

In a technology-driven world, businesses face cybersecurity threats that can compromise sensitive information, disrupt operations, and damage their reputation. The emergence of quantum computing adds a new layer of complexity to the challenge of securing digital systems.

Quantum computers will have the potential to disrupt many of the encryption standards that businesses rely on to protect their data, potentially leaving them vulnerable to attacks. The risks are significant, but so are the opportunities.

In this article, I explore the implications of quantum computing on the future of encryption and the opportunities for future-thinking businesses. I also cover some best practices for securing digital assets for the post-quantum era.

What Is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex computations.

While classical computers process information in binary bits (representing either a 0 or a 1), quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a property called superposition.

Quantum computers also leverage another quantum property called entanglement, which essentially allows qubits to be interconnected regardless of their physical separation.

Together, superposition and entanglement allow qubits to represent and process a vast number of possibilities simultaneously. They imbue quantum computers with the potential to solve certain types of problems much faster than classical computers.

Quantum computing, therefore, has the potential to significantly impact fields such as pharmaceutical discovery, material science, cryptography, and more, by providing solutions to problems that are impossible using the machines we currently have.

Building practical, error-resistant quantum computers with a sufficient number of qubits is a significant technological challenge, so quantum computing is still in its early stages.

However, as researchers and engineers develop and improve hardware, algorithms, and error correction techniques to realise their full potential, it’s important to consider how this progression will impact cyber security imperatives and especially the use of encryption.

Quantum Computing And Its Impact On Encryption

Industries like healthcare, cybersecurity, and banking could all find usefulness in the computing power that quantum systems will provide. For example, it could speed up medical diagnoses, computer security response times, and financial transactions.

But here is a question about how well conventional encryption standards will be able to hold out against quantum power. Current encryption algorithms are successful not because they are impossible to crack, but because to pass through all the combinations needed to do so with traditional computing power would take too much time and resources.

Essentially, the more complex an encryption cypher, the longer it will take and thus the harder it is to break. Quantum machines could change this with their ability to solve mathematical problems at lightning speed, making light work of current encryption algorithms.

Imagine a large box filled with smaller boxes. Only one of these small boxes contains the key that controls the encryption. To find it, a traditional computer must open each of those boxes one at a time until the key is found and tried. In theory, quantum computers will have the ability to open all those small boxes and test each key simultaneously.

In the wrong hands, quantum computing could be used to break encryption algorithms and compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.

If a cyber criminal could use quantum computing to break through an encryption layer and access a company or individual’s financial records or other valuable data, this could cause significant damage. New standards for securing data will therefore be vital.

Opportunities In Quantum Computing

While quantum computing poses a threat to traditional encryption methods, it also presents many opportunities for the development of new security practices and solutions.

Since the way in which we secure data currently will need to evolve, quantum computing could be used to create new encryption methods that are quantum resistant.

New methods, known as post-quantum cryptography, could rely on different mathematical foundations that could produce algorithms resistant to quantum attacks.

Post-quantum cryptography is a rapidly developing field, and there are a number of different algorithms that are being proposed. Some of the most promising algorithms are based on lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, and hash-based cryptography.

Lattice-based cryptography relies on the difficulty of solving certain problems related to lattices. Code-based cryptography relies on the difficulty of decoding certain codes. Hash-based cryptography relies on the difficulty of finding collisions in certain hash functions.

It is still too early to say which post-quantum cryptography algorithm will ultimately be adopted. However, the development of post-quantum cryptography is a promising step towards ensuring the long-term security of our data in the face of quantum computing.

Staying Ahead Of Quantum Technologies

While the rise of quantum computing poses challenges to encryption and cybersecurity, it will bring with it the opportunity for businesses to strengthen their digital defences.

This is not something today’s CISO (chief information security officer) should be concerned about when looking at near-term business resilience. But keeping informed of the latest developments in quantum computing will give them the awareness they need to ensure their infrastructure is braced against any new threats as the future draws in.

To stay ahead of quantum computing and secure your digital assets:

Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the latest developments in quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography. Position your business at the forefront of this technological shift.

Assess Your Current Security

Evaluate the security used to protect your sensitive data. You can identify vulnerabilities quantum computing could exploit by using the latest cybersecurity penetration testing tools.

Collaborate With Cybersecurity Professionals

Engage with cybersecurity experts who specialise in post-quantum cryptography. Seek their guidance to implement encryption protocols and develop a robust cybersecurity strategy.

Implement Cybersecurity Best Practices

Utilising solutions with encryption algorithms that uphold the latest standards, such as Mailock secure email, can enhance data protection and confidentiality.

Foster Innovation

Encourage research into post-quantum protection. Support initiatives that explore novel encryption methods, quantum-resistant algorithms, and secure communication protocols.

Beyond Encryption’s Mailock Secure Email

As technologies evolve, so does Beyond Encryption. As quantum systems become more widespread and accessible, you can be sure that we'll be there at the forefront of the developments.

Email data is most at risk of cyber security breaches, so it’s vital to protect it. Beyond Encryption’s Mailock secures sensitive emails and attachments with AES-256 encryption - the same standard used by the NSA - to keep you communicating safely.

Together, we can build a future where the benefits of quantum computing are realised while maintaining the highest levels of security for our sensitive information.