What is quantum computing and why is it appealing ?
TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION accentuates this . It is clear that pioneers like Psiquantum will have universal quantum computers available in a few years .
“ Most solutions brought forward are flawed . The National Institute of Standards and Technology has confirmed that the PQAs ( post-quantum algorithms ) they have been studying are ‘ not a suitable drop-in replacement ’ for RSA ( Rivest- Shamir-Adleman – an algorithm used by modern computers to encrypt and decrypt messages ), with all implying huge disruption . One of the three shortlisted algorithms , Rainbow , has already been demonstrated to be non-secure . QKD ( quantum key distribution ) is impractical and not secure at scale ,” said Williams .
The only method of encryption that is demonstrably secure and already standardised is symmetric encryption , according to Williams .
“ The world should focus on how to use symmetric encryption in new ways ,” he said .
Quantum security a vital part of the new economy The arrival of quantum computers will make quantum security a vital part of the new economy , according to Andrew Shields , Head of the Quantum Technology Division at Toshiba Europe .
“ Even though we may still be a handful of years away from quantum computers entering the mainstream , hackers are already using scraping and harvesting techniques to gather encrypted data that they ’ ll be able to break into once they gain access to the power of a quantum computer . This means that organisations need to future-proof their data by protecting it now , especially if it ’ s information that remains sensitive for a long time , such as genomic or financial data ,” said Shields .
“ The future of this technology is truly exciting ”
RICHARD HOPKINS FELLOW OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING AND AN IBM DIS-
TINGUISHED ENGINEER
What is quantum computing and why is it appealing ?
“ Today ’ s classical computers manipulate individual bits , which store information as binary 0 and 1 states . Quantum computers tap into quantum mechanical phenomena to manipulate information . To do this , they rely on quantum bits , or qubits . Unlike a bit that must be a 0 or a 1 , a qubit can be in a combination of states . Researchers have shown that these complex states potentially give quantum computers a unique capability to be able to speed up or solve certain problems that conventional computers cannot handle .”
Richard Hopkins , Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and IBM Distinguished Engineer
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