Quantum Day: Brazing for an Emerging Security Architecture

Quantum computing has received less attention compared to AI despite its transformative impact on modern technology and security. Its promise lies in solving problems that even our most advanced classical computers would take millions of years to tackle, from accelerating drug discovery to revolutionizing logistics and more. However, this transformative power also poses a profound challenge to our current cybersecurity framework. As quantum systems advance, traditional encryption methods such as RSA which have long safeguarded our banking systems, online communications, and critical infrastructure may become vulnerable overnight. This emerging threat necessitates a forward-thinking approach to digital security and cloud integration.

History shows that computing advancements often come from rethinking hardware. The transistor’s replacement of the vacuum tube in the 20th century transformed computing, shrinking room-sized machines into today’s sleek laptops and phones. Quantum computing represents a similar shift, but with even more profound consequences. Amazon Web Service(AWS) recently unveiled Ocelot, a prototype quantum chip built on “cat qubit” technology. AWS hopes Ocelot will reduce quantum error correction costs by up to 90%, addressing one of the biggest challenges in scaling quantum technology. Google has claimed that its latest quantum chip solved a problem in five minutes that would take the fastest supercomputer over 10 septillion years to complete. Microsoft is also investing in quantum computing, focusing on topological qubits, a promising approach that aims to make quantum information more stable and resistant to errors.

The Promise and the Threat

Estimates vary, but some experts believe a quantum machine capable of breaking RSA encryption could require around 10,000 to one million qubits. Today’s quantum systems are still in the early stages, with only a few hundred qubits, but the progress is accelerating. This means the security infrastructure that protects global banking systems, cloud storage, and government networks is on borrowed time. Even if quantum computers capable of breaking encryption are a decade away, the threat is already here. Why? Because attackers can start collecting encrypted data now and decrypt it later when quantum systems become powerful enough, a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.”

A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could solve mathematical problems that classical computers can’t solve within a human lifetime in minutes, exposing financial transactions, government communications, and personal data. Banking systems, which rely heavily on encryption to secure trillions of dollars in daily transfers, would be among the first to feel the impact. Imagine a scenario where a quantum attack disrupts SWIFT, the backbone of global financial transactions, markets would panic, banks could freeze operations, and investor confidence could collapse overnight.

It’s not just banks. Digital identity systems used for government services, healthcare, and taxation could be compromised. If social security numbers, health records, and voting systems are exposed, the consequences would be political as well as economic. Countries with weaker technological infrastructure would face greater challenges, increasing the gap between technologically advanced nations and those lagging behind. Startups and small businesses are also at risk. Many rely on secure digital platforms for funding, customer transactions, and intellectual property protection. If encryption breaks down, startups could lose not only data but also the trust of investors and customers.

On the flip side, quantum computing could offer startups new opportunities. Quantum-driven optimization could transform supply chain logistics, drug discovery, and AI training. AWS Braket already allows developers to experiment with quantum algorithms, giving early adopters a head start in understanding the technology. Apple has begun making iMessage encryption “quantum-proof” to prepare for future threats. JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are leveraging quantum algorithms to refine risk management and detect fraud more efficiently. Simultaneously, Pharma giants like Moderna and Roche are exploring quantum simulations to speed up drug discovery and advance personalized medicine.

Furthermore, the convergence of quantum computing and cybersecurity is paving the way for novel solutions like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD leverages quantum mechanics to generate encryption keys that are impossible to intercept or duplicate, guaranteeing secure communication. Any attempt to eavesdrop disrupts the data, making breaches detectable in real-time. This breakthrough could make cybersecurity more resilient, protecting data even against future threats from quantum computers.

While quantum computing challenges traditional security, it also accelerates the need for more resilient encryption systems, laying the foundation for a more secure digital future. As Dr. Michele Mosca of the Institute for Quantum Computing put it, “Quantum computing will upend the security infrastructure of the digital economy. But this challenge gives us a much-needed impetus to build stronger, more resilient foundations for the future.”

Conclusion

The industry has managed encryption transitions before, but quantum represents a sharper discontinuity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already introduced draft standards for post-quantum cryptography, guiding organizations on how to protect their systems. But the challenge isn’t just about updating software. Browsers and apps can receive software updates, but embedded devices and critical infrastructure in industries like healthcare, energy, and transportation may need to be redesigned altogether because it may be harder to upgrade.

Quantum computing won’t replace classical computing, but it will change the nature of what’s possible. The challenge now is not just to develop more powerful qubits but to make them reliable and scalable enough for real-world use. Managing the transition to quantum-resistant security will require strategic planning. Organizations should:

1. Assess which systems are most vulnerable to quantum-based attacks.

2. Establish a timeline for transitioning to quantum-secure encryption.

3. Work with cloud providers that are investing in quantum security.

4. Develop a long-term strategy for managing encryption in a quantum future.

KPMG’s research shows that 60% of large Canadian corporations and 78% of U.S. organizations expect quantum computing to go mainstream by 2030. Similarly, EY UK’s report reveals that 97% of UK executives anticipate quantum computing will disrupt their sectors with nearly half expecting it to significantly impact industries by 2025. Yet, only 33% of companies have started planning for this shift. That means businesses need to act now, not later. The longer organizations wait, the harder and costlier the transition will be. Companies and governments that adapt early will be positioned to lead in the next technological era.

The shift to a quantum future is inevitable. The question is will we be ready?

Love & Cloud,

Babsbarokah