2/10/2025
Humans have unraveled many of the universe’s most intricate mysteries. From the Big Bang to DNA, our knowledge has come a long way. At a glance, it may seem that we have discovered everything there is to know. Yet, there are numerous mysteries that remain unsolved.
For example, “There’s more to the universe than the matter we can see. Dark matter and dark energy are mysterious substances that affect and shape the cosmos, and scientists are still trying to figure them out.” So, how can dark matter be detected? How does it affect the behavior of stars, planets, and galaxies? These questions remain unanswered—not only because of the lack of research, but also because of classical computing’s current limitations.
Also known as binary computing, classical computing is a traditional computing method that uses bits to process and store information deterministically using either 0 (off) or 1 (on). It is used in daily life and is present in nearly all modern technology. On the other hand, quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics to increase computational speed. Rather than bits, quantum computing uses qubits that can exist simultaneously as 0 and 1. This is made possible by superposition, which means that a quantum system can represent all 2n states at the same time.
This is a sharp contrast from classical computing’s n-bit system, which can only store one of the 2n states at any given time–0 or 1, but never both. In this way, classical computing functions as a linear process occuring at a single point, while quantum computing occurs in parallel at several points. This parallel nature is what allows quantum computers to perform multiple computations at once.
When measured, these parallel pieces of quantum information collapse to a probability amplitude for either 0 or 1. Quantum interference manipulates these probability amplitudes, filtering out incorrect results by amplifying the probability of correct solutions. This property gives quantum computing a large advantage over classical computing, making computations so powerful that they could supercharge Artificial Intelligence. In turn, this would accelerate AI model training and optimize problem-solving.
Despite its exceptional possibilities, quantum computing presents significant challenges. Namely, the maintenance required to preserve quantum coherence and the accuracy of quantum processors is meticulous, as qubits need to be contained in a highly controlled environment. The temperature must be close to absolute zero, -273.15ºC (or-459.67), as external heat can cause loss of quantum information. Cooling quantum computers and maintaining continuous quantum operations to keep them stable are just a few of the challenges involved.
Beyond maintenance challenges, quantum computing also poses a risk to cybersecurity. Encryption is a method used to convert information into ciphertext and plays a significant role in data security. Unauthorized parties cannot access the data without decrypting it. However, hacking into encrypted data requires substantial computational power and, with classical computing methods, could take somewhere between a few minutes to thousands of years. Hacking time largely depends on the strength and length of the encryption. With the rise of quantum computing and its superior computational power, even previously unbreakable encryptions could be cracked in a matter of minutes.
Current cryptographic standards are integrated into nearly every aspect of life, including government and military security, financial transactions, cloud security, web security, and blockchain technologies, among others. This means that even those who do not use quantum computing technologies are at risk of having their data compromised. The world is not equipped with quantum-safe security measures. Some sources suggest that the window to revamp cryptographic standards is closing as technology advances into the so-called “Quantum 2.0” era, where the practical implementation of quantum computing is accelerating.
Efforts are being made to ensure proper preparations for quantum computing. Recently, Sectigo PQC Labs created a post-quantum cryptographic sandbox with the hope of educating organizations on achieving quantum readiness. At the same time, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is set to define new cryptographic standards by 2030.While the future of quantum computing is promising, it is crucial to consider both its benefits and risks before widespread adoption. As quantum computers become an integral part of the future, proactive measures must be taken to ensure security for all.