Quantum computing sounds like science fiction, but it’s becoming real, and it could change how secure our digital world is. The good news? We can prepare for it now. And the time to start thinking about it is sooner than many expect.
What Is Quantum Computing?
Today’s computers work like light switches: on (1) or off (0). They solve problems one step at a time.
Quantum computers work differently. They use qubits, which can be on, off, or both at the same time. This allows them to test many possibilities at once and solve certain problems far faster than traditional computers.
Right now, quantum computers are still experimental. But as they improve, they’ll become powerful enough to challenge the security systems we rely on every day.
How Is Your Data Protected Today?
Most online services, such as banking platforms, email systems, and websites, use encryption. Encryption scrambles your data so only someone with the correct ‘key’ can read it.
Current encryption methods, such as RSA and ECC, are very secure against today’s computers because cracking the underlying encryption would take millions of years using current computing capabilities. However, quantum computers could break these protections much faster.
Why Is This a Problem?
Future quantum computers could unlock encrypted data that’s considered safe today. Even more concerning is that cyber attackers can already steal encrypted data and simply wait until quantum computers are powerful enough to decrypt it later.
This puts sensitive information such as financial records, medical data, and private communications at risk.
The Solution: Post-Quantum Cryptography
Post-Quantum Cryptography, often referred to as ‘PQC’, is a new generation of encryption designed to withstand quantum attacks. These methods use complex mathematical problems that even quantum computers struggle to solve.
Standards bodies such as the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have already approved new quantum-resistant encryption methods, and major technology providers, including Google, are beginning to roll them out.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
Preparing early is key. Here is a practical starting point:
• Identify where encryption is used across your systems
• Prioritise systems exposed to the internet or storing long-term sensitive data
• Start testing quantum-safe encryption alongside existing methods
• Work with cloud and security providers that support PQC (post-quantum cryptography)
• Stay informed as standards continue to evolve
Why Acting Early Matters
Quantum computing is advancing faster than many expect. Organisations that prepare now will avoid rushed and expensive upgrades later while protecting their customers’ data long into the future.
Quantum technology will bring incredible benefits, but only if our digital security is ready for it. Starting today means staying safe tomorrow.
Bradley Smillie
Senior Technical Engineer
