QUANTUM COMPUTING: A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH—AND A CYBERSECURITY RECKONING

Written by: Danny Blakesley

Quantum computing has long captured the imagination of scientists, technologists, and futurists alike. It’s potential lies in solving problems that classical computers simply cannot, such as revolutionizing industries from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to manufacturing, materials science, finance, and artificial intelligence. But with its immense computational power comes a looming cybersecurity challenge: the potential to break the encryption that safeguards global digital infrastructure.

As the world edges closer to a quantum future, the implications for data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance are profound. Understanding both the opportunities and the risks will be essential for businesses aiming to stay resilient in the next wave of technological disruption.                                                                                                                              

What Is Quantum Computing?

At its core, quantum computing represents a fundamental shift in how information is processed. While classical computers use bits, which represent 0s or 1s, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once thanks to the principles of superposition and entanglement. This allows quantum systems to process complex calculations in parallel, performing tasks that would take traditional computers thousands (or even millions) of years.

To put it simply, when a classical computer tries to solve a maze, it follows one path at a time – taking the first turn it can, continuing until it either reaches the exit or hits a dead end, then backtracking to try another route. In contrast, a quantum computer can evaluate all possible paths through the maze simultaneously. This ability to process countless possibilities at once is what gives quantum computing its extraordinary power.

For example, simulating the behavior of molecules, optimizing massive data sets, or analyzing complex financial risk models could all become dramatically faster and more efficient with quantum computing. The technology has the potential to reshape how we approach everything from global logistics to climate modeling.

However, this same power also threatens to upend the very foundations of cybersecurity.

The Double-Edged Sword: Risks and Rewards

The promise of quantum computing is vast. It could accelerate progress in:

• Medical research, by simulating molecular interactions to speed up drug development.
• Artificial intelligence, through faster training of AI models and enhanced pattern recognition.
• Finance, where quantum algorithms might improve fraud detection and portfolio optimization.
• Climate science, by refining simulations and forecasting extreme weather patterns.
• Manufacturing and logistics, with quantum-driven optimization that reduces waste and inefficiency.
• Materials Sciences, opening new pathways to discovery and design of stronger, lighter, and more efficient materials by simulating molecular interactions that classical computers cannot process today.

Significantly, as quantum computing opens the doors to innovation, it also opens Pandora’s box for cybersecurity. The same power that allows quantum computers to solve complex equations efficiently also enables them to crack today’s encryption standards, which could render existing security protocols ineffective to obsolete.

Quantum Computing and the Encryption Threat

Modern cybersecurity relies on mathematical problems that are extraordinarily difficult for traditional computers to solve. Algorithms like RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC) protect everything from online banking to national security systems by making it computationally infeasible to derive private keys from public information.

Quantum computing changes that scenario. Using Shor’s Algorithm, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could factor large numbers exponentially faster, effectively breaking RSA and ECC encryption. What used to take centuries to crack could soon be solved in hours or days.
Research institutions and government agencies have warned that state actors and cybercriminals are already preparing for the quantum era through what’s known as a “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy—collecting encrypted data today with the intent to decrypt it once quantum computers become capable enough.[1] Sensitive data such as health records, trade secrets, and government communications that need to remain secure for decades could be compromised long before organizations realize the danger.

The threat extends beyond encryption. Quantum-powered AI could enable more sophisticated cyberattacks, capable of identifying system vulnerabilities and deploying adaptive malware faster than human defenders can respond. Indeed, the next generation of cyber threats may not only be faster, they may also be essentially autonomous.

Where Quantum Technology Stands Today

It is important to note that we are not yet living in the full-fledged quantum era. Current quantum systems are still in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) stage, where hardware limitations, including instability and error rates, prevent large-scale, practical use.[2] However, progress is accelerating rapidly.

Tech giants are racing to scale up quantum processors, while governments around the world are investing heavily in quantum research and national security initiatives. In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) began finalizing its first set of post-quantum cryptographic standards, establishing a global benchmark for the transition to quantum-resistant encryption.[3]
Meanwhile, international regulators and industry bodies—including Europol—are urging critical sectors like finance and energy to prepare now.[4]

In other words, while the quantum threat is not yet here, the clock is ticking and organizations that delay preparation risk being left behind.

Preparing for the Quantum Threat

Defending against quantum-enabled cyberattacks requires more than a single technical upgrade; it demands a long-term, strategic transition toward quantum-resilient security. Here are some key considerations for your organization:

1. Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Standardization Project is leading the charge in developing algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks.[5] Among the leading standards are:

• CRYSTALS-Kyber (for key establishment)
• CRYSTALS-Dilithium (for digital signatures)
• Falcon and SPHINCS+ (for specialized applications)[6]

2. Implement Hybrid Encryption Models

A practical near-term step is to use hybrid encryption, combining classical algorithms with quantum-resistant ones to create layered protection. This allows for interoperability while easing the transition to full post-quantum security.

3. Explore Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

QKD leverages the laws of quantum mechanics to detect eavesdropping attempts on encryption keys. While currently expensive and technically complex, QKD represents a promising frontier for securing sensitive communications.

4. Conduct Cryptographic Inventories and Risk Assessments

Most organizations use encryption throughout their systems—in databases, email servers, cloud storage, and more. Conducting a full inventory of where cryptography is used and which algorithms are deployed is essential. From there, teams can prioritize which systems are most vulnerable to future quantum risks.

5. Develop a Quantum Readiness Roadmap

Transitioning to quantum-resistant security is not a one-time event. It requires phased implementation, close coordination with vendors, development of policy frameworks and drafts, and alignment with evolving compliance standards. Building a roadmap starting with awareness and inventory, then advances through pilot testing and full migration prepares the organization before the realities of quantum computing reaches critical mass.

Building a Quantum-Resilient Future

Preparing for quantum computing is not solely a technical challenge, it’s also a matter of governance, policy, and compliance. Cybersecurity leaders, legal advisors, and IT professionals must work together to strengthen resilience at every level.

Some proactive measures include:

• Leadership education: Equip executives and boards with a clear understanding of the quantum risk timeline and the strategic implications for the business.
• Industry collaboration: Engage with NIST, ISO, and ETSI working groups or participate in industry coalitions focused on post-quantum readiness.
• Vendor management: Confirm that technology providers are planning for post-quantum compatibility.
• Regulatory alignment: Stay ahead of evolving data protection and cybersecurity laws that may require quantum-safe encryption.

The businesses that act now by mapping dependencies, planning transitions, and building internal awareness, position themselves for both competitive strength and reputational trust in a post-quantum era.

Looking Ahead

While the timeline for large-scale quantum computing remains uncertain, the momentum is undeniable. What was once a distant theoretical concept is now an engineering challenge being tackled by the world’s most powerful institutions. The organizations that treat quantum preparedness as a strategic priority rather than a distant possibility will be poised to thrive in this new era.

The transition to quantum-safe systems is complex, but the cost of inaction could be far greater. The data being secured today could be the data decrypted tomorrow.

How The Beckage Firm Can Help

At The Beckage Firm, we combine deep technical understanding with legal and regulatory insight to help businesses prepare for the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow. Our team advises clients on data protection strategy, incident response readiness, and compliance with emerging encryption and privacy standards, including those shaped by the emerging quantum era.

We help organizations assess risk, align with evolving regulations, and adopt proactive strategies to safeguard sensitive data for decades to come.

[1] Rich DuBose, Mohan Madhvapathy Rao, Harvest now, decrypt later: Why today’s encrypted data isn’t safe forever, HashiCorp The Stack (May 21, 2025), Harvest now, decrypt later: Why today’s encrypted data isn’t safe forever

[2] Sean Hollister, Google says its breakthrough quantum chip can’t break modern cryptography, The Verge (December, 12, 2024), Google says its breakthrough Willow quantum chip can’t break modern cryptography | The Verge

[3] Chad Boutin, NIST Releases First 3 Finalized Post-Quantum Encryption Standards, NIST (August 12, 2024), NIST Releases First 3 Finalized Post-Quantum Encryption Standards | NIST

[4] Reuters, Europol body: Banks should prepare for quantum computer risk now, Reuters (February 7, 2025), Europol body: Banks should prepare for quantum computer risk now | Reuters

[5] NIST Information Technology Laboratory Computer Security Resource Center, Post-Quantum Cryptography, NIST (September 30, 2025), Post-Quantum Cryptography | CSRC

[6] Chad Boutin, NIST Announces First Four Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Algorithms, NIST (July 5, 2022), NIST Announces First Four Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Algorithms | NIST