The Rising Concerns of Quantum Computing
For years, discussions about the hazards of AI have dominated conversations, often centered around fears that it could wipe out jobs or even humanity as we know it.
Yet, there’s significantly less talk about a potentially more powerful threat: quantum computing.
This technology, championed by major companies in the US like Amazon, IBM, Google, and Nvidia, is deeply rooted in quantum physics and has the potential to change the landscape of computing entirely.
For instance, Google recently reported that their Willow quantum chip solved a complex computational issue in just five minutes—a task that would reportedly take current supercomputers around a billion years to complete.
“Quantum computers excel at breaking codes,” noted John Preskill, who heads Caltech’s Quantum Information Institute. He also mentioned that if these computers reach full capacity, the security systems we rely on—like those that protect our credit card transactions online—could become vulnerable.
This technology in the wrong hands could pose serious risks, and it’s worth noting that countries like China and Russia have openly aimed for advancements in this field.
The situation is evolving at a rapid pace. Recently, President Trump took steps to prioritize experimental research by signing two executive orders. He called for the construction of a supercomputer capable of quantum processing to be operational within a couple of years and warned of an impending crisis in global communication security.
Google aligns with this urgency, having declared that Q-Day—when quantum computers can effectively crack common encryption—might be upon us as soon as 2029.
Today’s computers utilize binary systems, processing information through bits represented as either 0s or 1s, akin to miniature electronic switches. In contrast, quantum computers use qubits that can exist in multiple states at once, thanks to a phenomenon known as superposition.
This means they can tackle large combinations of data simultaneously instead of one at a time, which is how conventional computers operate. Preskill pointed out the sheer magnitude needed to translate information from traditional bits, suggesting it’s not feasible with our existing technology.
Researchers reflect on how early computer pioneers, who worked with massive machines filled with vacuum tubes in the 1950s, never anticipated the rise of handheld devices like smartphones. Today’s quantum researchers similarly feel uncertain about what the future holds, but they agree that it will be monumental.
However, the current quantum computers are far from portable. They occupy entire rooms, requiring cooling equipment to maintain near absolute zero temperatures for their components.
With lasers and microwaves tasked with controlling and isolating the qubits, even minor environmental factors like sound can interfere with their operation, making their design incredibly delicate.
Looking back, Chris Ferry, associated with quantum software studies, recalled how IBM’s chief technology officer in the 1940s suggested that there wouldn’t be a demand for more than six computers worldwide. Nowadays, personal devices far exceed that number.
Experts believe quantum computing could significantly enhance drug design and materials development. Ferry mentioned that this would allow scientists to build complex molecules atom by atom, enabling much more intricate interactions than are currently possible with existing computational abilities.
Despite the US investing $2 billion into quantum development recently, it’s reported that China has surpassed this with a $12 billion investment, raising concerns in the U.S. about future competitiveness in this field.
The rapid progression led the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency to issue warnings in its 2025 Global Threat Assessment.
On a more optimistic note, there’s already quantum-safe technology in existence. An extensive global competition led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) successfully developed quantum-resistant cryptography standards, publishing the first in 2024.
Still, some experts, like Ferry, believe it might be too late to fully safeguard the world’s digital secrets. Once a malicious entity gains access to a quantum computer, they could potentially breach current encryption methods.
“Nothing is foolproof,” Ferry stated. “The goal is to create enough of a barrier to deter attacks.” He conveyed that adopting this mindset might simplify how we engage with security concerns in the digital realm and, perhaps, in life itself.
