Is new tech a gift to cybercriminals? Experts say yes

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

Quantum computing might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s becoming an undeniable reality. As tech giants race to harness its power, it’s quickly transforming the world of cybersecurity. Imagine a new frontier where encryption as we know it could become obsolete.

The rise of quantum computing could open a dangerous door for hackers and cybercriminals, and what we once thought was secure may no longer be.

Curious about how this technology will change the digital landscape? Click on to discover how quantum computing might redefine the future of cybersecurity—and what organizations can do to stay ahead of the curve.

What is quantum computing?

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

Quantum computing is a groundbreaking technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in a way that traditional computers cannot.

How does it work?

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

Instead of using bits, which represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or "qubits."

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

These qubits can exist in multiple states at once, thanks to a phenomenon known as "superposition," allowing quantum computers to solve certain complex problems much faster than conventional computers.

Evolution

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In the 1990s, computer scientists Peter Shor and Lov Grover made significant breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, setting the stage for practical quantum computing.

Big tech

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​IBM is one of the prominent technology companies  actively developing quantum computing technologies.

Powerful processor

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In November 2022, IBM unveiled its Osprey processor, a 433-qubit system, marking a significant advancement in quantum hardware.

Applications

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Additionally, IBM has partnered with financial institutions such as Barclays and JPMorgan Chase to explore practical applications of quantum computing in finance.

Dangerous in the wrong hands

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

The ability to break encryption rapidly could expose sensitive data in ways previously unimaginable.

Risks

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

Although quantum computing could be a massive breakthrough for technology, it also presents significant risks.

Serious threat

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

This poses a severe risk for enterprises and governments relying on encryption to safeguard sensitive information.

Learn, then attack

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

This would empower malicious actors to adopt a “decrypt now, harvest later” strategy, quickly identifying and exploiting hidden vulnerabilities in network traffic.

Adding AI into the mix

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

The increased processing power of quantum computing could also push AI to new heights

Dangerous combo

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

With quantum computing, these threats will only grow more sophisticated as attackers find new ways to exploit systems' weaknesses. The 2024 Microsoft Data Security Index revealed that AI-related security incidents nearly doubled in 2024.

Update needed

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Experts say traditional cybersecurity methods can't keep up with evolving threats, meaning static security configurations are no longer effective, a problem compounded by quantum computing's processing speed.

What to do?

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To prepare for escalating cybersecurity threats, organizations should adopt proactive measures, says Chaim Mazal, Gigamon's Chief Security Officer and a Forbes Council Member.

Deep observability

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

With deep observability, organizations can gain a comprehensive view of their network traffic, improving their ability to detect and respond to threats.

Industry collaboration

What is quantum computing?, How does it work?, Evolution, Big tech, Powerful processor, Applications, Dangerous in the wrong hands, Serious threat, Learn, then attack, Adding AI into the mix, Dangerous combo, Update needed, What to do?, Deep observability, Industry collaboration

Stronger public-private collaboration is needed to address sophisticated threats, especially those posed by quantum computing and AI. While the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)  advocates for modern tactics, industry-wide cooperation is crucial to enhance resilience.

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