Quantum computers: why we should be both excited and worried

News Agency Nigeria / Biz.Newstimes.Africa / 22 March 2023

Like other historical technological breakthroughs, quantum computers have the potential to change how we see and work in this world. Using subatomic properties, quantum computers operate differently from the standard computers we use today. These properties, such as superposition and entanglement, enable quantum computers to easily compute on problems with too many variables that would otherwise crush our standard (classical) computers.

By now, many of you will have heard of a new form of computing called quantum which has the potential to become an amazingly powerful tool. While quantum computers promise great things for mankind, these computers also have the potential to become weapons.

Our federal government understands the quantum risk to data encrypted with our standard PKI. In December 2022, President Biden signed HR 7535 into law, which now mandates that all federal agencies must begin upgrading to post-quantum cyber security.