Quantum Technology Pioneers Race Against the Clock to Safeguard Global Data
Summary:
Government, academic, and private sector experts are collaboratively working to protect global data from the potential threat of quantum decryption. The anticipation is a quantum computing system that can breach the RSA encryption, currently safeguarding banks and military bases from hackers. However, quantum technologies like quantum sensing could emerge before the threat is realized. Prominent figures like SandboxAQ CEO Jack Hidary anticipate fault-tolerant quantum computers by the end of this decade, while institutions like IBM and MIT/Harvard spinout QuEra also have ambitious goals related to quantum computing. They all work towards identifying algorithms to protect the data from potential breaches.
Professionals from government, education, and business sectors are diligently working towards safeguarding global data from the imminent risk of quantum decryption - a threat perhaps second only to the risk posed by artificial intelligence technologies. Imminent is a quantum computing system believed to be capable of cracking RSA encryption, the currently used technology protecting banking systems, military establishments and numerous other institutions from cyber attacks. Other quantum technological solutions are expected to evolve even before this occurs, with quantum sensing taking prominence.
Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, a company working on quantum technologies affiliated with Google, predicted that functional, scalable, quantum computers resistant to errors will be a reality by the end of the decade. Speaking at the World Economic Forum about quantum decryption threats and potential breakthroughs, Hidary drew parallels to the general surprise that Gen-AI had caused. He warns of the potential surprise when the world realizes that their cryptographic systems have been broken, an event he forecasts to take place by 2029-2030.
Hidary is not alone in anticipating the rapid expansion of quantum computing capabilities. IBM, currently viewed as the industry frontrunner, expects a pivotal moment in quantum computing by 2029. Meanwhile, a combined venture from MIT and Harvard, QuEra, claims intentions to develop a quantum computer with a whopping 10,000 error-corrected qubits by 2026. Theoretically, any quantum computer that can outperform conventional binary computers could crack RSA encryption. But, as Hidary mentioned, several groups worldwide, including the U.S. government and IBM, are working on novel algorithms and strategies to keep our data safe if implemented in due time.
In the interim, other quantum technologies are likely to materialize before quantum-based encryption breaking becomes a reality. This could result in less powerful quantum computing systems that still surpass the present capabilities of current, state-of-the-art binary supercomputers. One such promising quantum technology may be quantum sensing, which Hidary believes could improve upon our current GPS system, even possibly thwarting attempts to disrupt satellite signals. Quantum sensors could also find their way into a number of other applications, from in-depth, real-time medical diagnostics of the human brain and body to aiding in the development of fully autonomous robots. As with the unforeseen impact of ChatGPT, predicted by very few AI experts within a decade of publishing the transformative "Generative Adversarial Networks" paper, the extent of quantum computing's infiltration from the laboratory to mainstream usage remains a challenge to predict accurately.
Published At
1/22/2024 10:40:17 PM
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