The security risks and advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly influenced predictions in cybersecurity. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 highlighted generative AI and accelerated public awareness of how these technologies affect security. Now a similar question arises: is the rise of quantum computers on a comparable trajectory?
One of the most notable benefits of quantum computing is its potential for extremely fast calculations that could support everything from particle physics research to improved weather forecasting, traffic optimization, financial modeling and cybersecurity. Sweden is well positioned in the field, notably through work at the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT).
Threats to cryptographic standards
At the same time, quantum technology could make it easier for cybercriminals to break encryption. Because quantum computers can tackle mathematical problems that classical machines cannot—such as the factorization of large prime numbers—they are often cited as a threat to current cryptographic systems.
In November 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Awareness Act. If governments are preparing, should more organizations be doing the same?
Cybersecurity vendor Barracuda Networks asked several of its security experts to weigh in on the future and whether businesses and the cybersecurity industry should place more emphasis on quantum computing:
Sheila Hara, Senior Director, Product Management, Email Protection:
Although quantum computers are not an immediate threat to today’s defenses, it is crucial to be proactive and prepare for a future in which quantum capabilities may challenge existing cryptographic protections. Quantum machines theoretically can break widely used encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC using methods such as Shor’s algorithm. That means sensitive data encrypted with these algorithms could potentially be decrypted by a powerful quantum computer. Confidential information—including personal data, financial transactions and private communications—could be at risk if encryption methods are undermined by quantum advances. Transitioning from current cryptographic standards to quantum-resistant ones will take time and careful planning. Organizations should therefore begin considering this transition now to protect their data long-term.
Stephan Schachinger, Senior Product Manager, IoT:
Those who believe they have fully protected themselves against current threats should still be concerned about quantum computing—but most organizations have other, more immediate security challenges to prioritize. Today, practical quantum computing remains limited and is certainly not ubiquitous. Still, it’s wise to keep the issue on the radar because the situation will change over time.
Stefan van der Wal, Consulting Solutions Architect, Application Security, EMEA:
As with many security issues, attention often comes only after the impact is felt. It makes sense to develop a corporate strategy for when quantum technology matures, especially since much of today’s encryption could become ineffective as the field advances.
Rohit Aradhya, VP, Managing Director, Engineering:
Over the coming years, quantum computing capacity poses a looming threat. Quantum advances are expected to break asymmetric encryption solutions that rely on integer factorization or discrete logarithms. However, it will likely be several years before quantum resources can be used to affect enterprise security at large scale. Significant research and mitigation efforts are already underway to adapt security products and solutions to handle quantum-enabled threats. We view this as a concern in the relatively near future, though it is unlikely to affect most organizations immediately.