Quantum Computing Is Becoming Reality

Quantum computers would theoretically be able to solve certain problems much more quickly than any classical computers 

The first thing to know about quantum computing is that it won’t displace traditional, or ‘classical’ computing…Yet…

The second thing to know: Quantum computing is still a nascent technology that probably won’t be ready for prime time for several more years. 

The third thing you should know. The time to start protecting your data’s security from quantum computers is now.


Quantum Computing Explained

The classical computers we’ve used for decades use a sequence of binary bits. Each bit is always in one of two definitive states – 0 or 1 – that act as on and off switches to drive computer functions. In contrast, a quantum computer uses quantum bits, or qubits. Each qubit can represent both a 0 and a 1 simultaneously. 

Consequently, quantum computers can store far more information than classical computers and have the potential to process massive amounts of calculations running in parallel within seconds, far faster than the fastest classical computers.

Quantum-computing terms

Briefly, a few quantum computing terms to know are:

Quantum mechanics, aka quantum physics. A theory in physics that describes nature in terms of atoms and subatomic particles. Quantum computers are based on quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement.
Superposition. A qubit can be more than one thing at a time through a quantum-mechanics principle called superposition.

Superposition gives quantum computers their speed and parallelism, enabling them to work on millions of computations at once, says Matthew Brisse, Vice President of Research for Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure with the Gartner for Technical Professionals service.

Put another way: With a classical computer bit, a cat is either dead or alive. With a quantum-computer qubit, a cat can be both dead and alive, thanks to superposition. (For that analogy, which is often used when people explain quantum computing, we can thank an Austrian physicist who devised the Schrödinger's cat thought experiment in 1935.)

Entanglement is when qubits are linked with other qubits, so that the state of one qubit can depend upon the state of another. With entanglement combined with superposition, quantum computers have the potential to simultaneously process a vast number of possible outcomes.

The bottom line: “With quantum computing, we can do things in massively parallel systems that we couldn’t do before,” says Brisse.

Quantum-Computing Origins

During a 1959 lecture, physicist Richard Feynman, who helped develop the atomic bomb during World War II, raised the possibility of quantum computing. In the early 1980s, the concept of quantum computing started, thanks to the work of Feynman, Paul Benioff and others.

“By the early 1980s, it was clear that in addition to conventional computing, we could do computations using the rule of quantum mechanics,” says Bob Wisnieff, IBM’s CTO of quantum computing. 

“The question was, if you had a computer built on quantum mechanics, what kinds of computations could be done easier and faster? That question kicked off research into quantum computing at IBM.”

Why we’re talking about Quantum Computing now

To be sure, quantum computing is still in its infancy. Only 1 percent of organizations are budgeting for quantum computing projects, according to Brisse. But that’s expected to grow to 20 percent by 2023. So, why is quantum computing blipping on our radar screens now?

“We’re reaching the limits of what a classical computer can do,” says Ashish Nadkarni, Program Vice President of Computing Platforms, Worldwide Infrastructure at IDC. Many (though not all) experts believe that the phenomenon of Moore’s Law is coming to an end or is at least slowing to a crawl. 

At the same time, a growing number of companies, such as Google, have “an insatiable need for compute power,” Nadkarni says. Thus, the growing interest in quantum computing.

Quantum Computing Applications

Currently, quantum computers can only run limited business applications and specific quantum algorithms. Some believe quantum computers will always be specialised vs. general purpose. And most experts in the field say that quantum computers will integrate and work with, rather than replace, classical computers.

Given that, quantum computers are most likely to be used when there’s a huge volume of data to process within seconds.

“Financial-services companies could benefit from quantum computing, especially with services where the volume of data related to trades is high, and they want to simulate outcomes in seconds,” says Nadkarni.

Other likely applications: Drug and biotech research, gene editing and simulation, quantum chemistry, artificial intelligence, traffic pattern analysis, weather forecasting and cryptography.

“Quantum computers will be particularly good at solving big optimisation problems, such as shipping logistics,” says Brisse.  

Quantum Computing and IBM

IBM is among classical computing giants that are pioneering in the nascent field of quantum computing. The company helped create the field of quantum computing, and it’s been an important research area for the company for decades. On May 4, 2016, IBM announced the IBM Quantum Experience (since shortened to IBM Q Experience), the world’s first Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) offering that enables the general public to connect to IBM quantum computers via the cloud. 

The goal: Enable users to run experiments, explore tutorials and simulations, and otherwise get a taste for quantum computing.

Network World

You Might Also Read:

Quantum Computing - What You Should Know:

Power Of Nature To Enhance Internet Security:

« Crypto-Mining Hits 42% Of Organisations Worlwide
Android Abuse: EU Fines Google $5.1 Billion »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

Qolcom

Qolcom

Qolcom is a leading UK based integrator of secure wireless network and mobile device management solutions.

Commissum

Commissum

Commissum specialise in information assurance and security testing services.

Ivanti

Ivanti

Ivanti provide user-centered IT solutions designed to increase user productivity while reducing IT security risk.

Spanish Network of Excellence on Cybersecurity Research (RENIC)

Spanish Network of Excellence on Cybersecurity Research (RENIC)

RENIC is a membership based sectoral association that includes research centers and other agents of the research cybersecurity ecosystem in Spain.

Expanse

Expanse

Expanse SaaS-delivered products plus service expertise reduce your internet edge risk to prevent breaches and successful attacks.

HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies

HCL offer an integrated portfolio of products, solutions and services built around Digital, IoT, Cloud, Automation, Cybersecurity, Analytics, Infrastructure Management and Engineering Services.

Callsign

Callsign

Callsign’s mission is to seamlessly power the identification of every web, mobile and physical interaction.

Applied Magnetics Laboratory (AML)

Applied Magnetics Laboratory (AML)

Applied Magnetics Laboratory is a manufacturer of military security and data destruction equipment for sensitive, classified, and secret information.

Prompt

Prompt

Prompt supports the creation of partnerships and the setting up of industrial-institutional applied R&D projects for all ICT sectors.

Depth Security

Depth Security

Depth Security assessment services provide organizations with real-world visibility into threats facing their infrastructure and applications.

Cypress Data Defense

Cypress Data Defense

Cypress Data Defense helps clients build secure applications by providing training, best practices, and evaluating security during every stage of the Secure Application Development Lifecycle.

Third Point Ventures

Third Point Ventures

Third Point brings deep technical expertise, a strong network of relationships, and decades of investing experience to add value to our partners throughout their journey from idea to IPO and beyond.

63Sats Cybertech

63Sats Cybertech

63SATS is the cybersecurity business unit of 63 Moons Technologies, a world leader in providing next-generation technology ventures, innovations, platforms, and solutions. 

Cyex

Cyex

Cyex helps people to become cyber wise. We enable our clients to find, track and improve cyber awareness in one place.

Layer 8 Security

Layer 8 Security

Layer 8 Security is a cybersecurity advisory, consulting, and technical services firm that arms businesses with practical compliance, risk management, and security program strategies.

Center for Technology Training (CTT)

Center for Technology Training (CTT)

CTT is a distinguished Computer Training School in Tampa. We specialize in offering comprehensive IT certification programs, including Cyber Security.