Quantum Computing Explained: Why It Could Break the Internet

Quantum computing is not science fiction anymore. Researchers are racing to build machines powerful enough to solve problems that today’s computers cannot touch. That progress is exciting, but it also poses one of the biggest cybersecurity threats in history. Quantum computers could one day break the encryption that protects financial transactions, health data, and state secrets. The solution is quantum-safe encryption, also called post-quantum cryptography. In this post, we explain the quantum threat, what it means for businesses, and how organizations can prepare defenses today instead of waiting for the quantum future to arrive.

Why Quantum Matters to Cybersecurity

Quantum computers work differently from the machines we use today. Instead of bits, they use qubits, which can represent multiple states at once. That makes them exponentially more powerful for certain types of problems. One of those problems is breaking encryption. The algorithms that protect data today rely on mathematical puzzles that would take current computers thousands of years to solve. A quantum computer could solve them in hours or even minutes.

The Encryption Problem

Modern encryption methods like RSA and ECC protect almost everything online. They secure banking, healthcare, government communications, and even your online shopping. These systems rely on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers or solving discrete logarithms. Quantum computers threaten to make those problems easy. Once that happens, the locks on our digital world could be broken.

How Soon Is the Threat

Experts disagree on the timeline. Some say large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking encryption could be a decade away. Others believe it could happen sooner. What is clear is that the risk is real, and waiting until the day quantum arrives is too late.

(For a reminder of how traditional attacks already cause massive breaches, see our blog on cybersecurity culture and training.)

The Quantum-Safe Solution

The good news is that researchers are not standing still. Post-quantum cryptography, also called quantum-safe encryption, is being developed to resist quantum attacks. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already selected several candidate algorithms that are being standardized. Businesses that prepare early will be able to transition smoothly when quantum-safe encryption becomes the norm.

What Businesses Should Do Now

1. Take Inventory

Identify where your organization uses encryption. This includes data at rest, data in transit, and data stored with vendors.

2. Monitor Standards

Stay informed about NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards. These will guide global adoption.

3. Start Experimenting

Pilot quantum-safe algorithms in non-critical systems so your team understands the transition.

4. Build Flexibility

Design systems with crypto-agility. That means being able to swap out encryption methods without rebuilding everything from scratch.

5. Educate Leaders and Teams

Quantum threats may feel abstract. Education ensures decision-makers understand the urgency.

(For another look at how regulations are shaping the future, see our post on EU cyber laws.)

The Bigger Picture

Quantum is not just a threat. It also offers opportunity. Quantum-powered simulations could help develop new medicines, optimize logistics, and revolutionize industries. But like any powerful tool, it can be misused. The challenge is to prepare defenses without slowing innovation.

Final Word: Prepare Before It Arrives

Quantum computing could rewrite the rules of cybersecurity. Encryption that feels unbreakable today may be worthless tomorrow. The businesses that start planning for quantum-safe defenses now will be the ones that stay secure when the future arrives.

Want to make sure your organization is ready for the quantum era? Mike Wright, The Security Guru, helps leaders understand the risks and prepare practical defenses. Contact him today at security.guru/contact.