expressed opinion entrepreneur Contributors are their own.
Technology continues to evolve rapidly to meet business needs. However, the rapid pace of development often exposes companies to new risks, some of which they did not anticipate. Quantum computing is the next technological frontier with enormous potential and risks.
McKinsey & Company believes The value at risk of quantum computing use cases exceeds $80 billion. The size of the industry is likely to exceed that in the next few years. However, quantum computing is incompatible with the current cybersecurity posture.
Quantum technology processes information differently than today’s computers. These processes can process more data and deliver insights at breakneck speed. As a result, companies must upgrade their infrastructure and security processes to protect them.
Here are three ways businesses can execute now to prepare for the quantum future.
Related: Cybersecurity is no longer an option. Your funds are in immediate danger.
Explore process flexibility
The power of quantum computing comes from its building block: a Qubit. Traditional computers process information in binary code (a string of zeros and ones) to decode and create output. Quantum computers ditch binary strings for the more volatile Qubit, a string of information that allows processors to explore multiple avenues for a solution. In addition, Qubit allows computers to process multiple inputs simultaneously.
As a result of this fundamental change, the current security infrastructure can quickly become obsolete. Most organizations currently use hybrid cloud and on-premises applications to strengthen security. However, the speed at which these solutions can move is limited by hardware. Compared to the speed at which quantum processors move, they process information at an extremely slow pace.
Attacks on systems executed by quantum computers could cripple most hardware infrastructure. Solution providers are currently addressing this problem by upgrading the technology and installing quantum technology.
However, given that quantum technology is still in its infancy, it is difficult for experts to predict the final form the solution will take. Businesses must start rethinking the flexibility of their infrastructure, because once quantum computing fully arrives, they will have to adapt quickly to the new conditions.
In addition to studying the threats posed by quantum computing, companies must also rethink their security models. For example, most systems are password protected by 2FA authentication support. Despite multiple layers of security, password- or key-centric access is vulnerable to quantum computing power.
Currently, secret vaults store keys and distribute new keys based on the processor’s ability to crack the keys. So most of the keys to protecting corporate secrets are tricky for existing processors, but a piece of cake for quantum processors.
By enabling passwordless access FIDO protocol is a possible solution.keep pace with the times NIST recommendations is another option that companies should explore.
Related: Quantum computing threatens everything — could it be worse than the apocalypse?
Invest in talent
Cybersecurity is challenging, and companies have a hard time finding the right talent. Most developers lack a security background and choose to specialize in application development consistent with agile practices. As a result, there is a shortage of security talent.
The arrival of quantum computing adds another layer to the challenge. Quantitative computing talents are few, and quantum security talents are hard to find. One solution for businesses is to invest in educating existing talent and upskilling employees.
Grants and other incentives for emerging talent are another way for companies to take a hard line. Companies taking this path have the opportunity to pioneer the field of quantum cybersecurity, which will position them well in the future.
In addition to developing talent pipelines, companies must use analytics to fill holes in their security posture. Using what-if scenarios, businesses can create a risk matrix that identifies potential breaches when a quantum threat occurs. For example, they can determine which systems are most at risk and which data might be affected.
Analysis currently does not fully understand the speed of quantum processors. However, by modeling extreme situations on these platforms, companies can examine the impact on their processes and develop recovery plans.
Identify opportunities
The capabilities of quantum computers are currently not up to the traditional computing capabilities. However, this technology has a huge runway. The transition to a fully quantum model will take time, and companies must start preparing immediately.
Just as VR and AI technologies suffer from periods of low interest, quantum computing will go through periods of waning investment and enthusiasm. However, companies must not mistake this natural phenomenon as an excuse to stop preparing for a quantum future.
Despite the so-called AI winter, AI is present in nearly every platform and process across multiple industries. Likewise, quantum computing is bound to find its way into multiple application areas. For a successful transition, companies must assess their business goals and determine the scope of their adoption programs.
For example, algorithms that are currently too complex to be executed by traditional computing must be securely defined and stored. Their infrastructure needs must be identified. Most importantly, the security processes they need must be determined. From these needs, companies can determine the steps they must take to reach their goals.
Preparation is key, because when quantum computing arrives in full force, those left behind will find it difficult to make up for lost ground.
hopeful future
Quantum computing will downgrade current technology to the level of an abacus. While the technology still has a long way to go before it becomes widely available, it certainly has enormous potential. Only time will tell what the future will look like. However, companies must seize the opportunity to protect their risks and develop development plans to meet current quantum demands.
Related: What Small Businesses Need to Know About Cybersecurity and the Future of Hacking
