Estimates among experts vary on the timetable for the arrival of “Q-Day” – the day when quantum computers are powerful enough to crack current encryption protocols. However, one thing most experts agree on is that the era of quantum computing is coming sooner rather than later.
Google’s recent introduction of a new quantum chip called Willow marked a significant advancement toward commercially viable quantum computing. Google heralded Willow as bringing the world “closer to running practical, commercially-relevant algorithms that can’t be replicated on conventional computers.”
As this breakthrough accelerates the arrival of quantum computing, it creates a clear imperative for enterprises to adopt post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect critical systems and data from quantum threats.
Willow: Google’s Quantum Breakthrough
In early December, Google introduced Willow, a new 105 qubit quantum chip demonstrating error correction and performance that the company says paves the way to a useful, large-scale quantum computer.
Google measured Willow’s performance using the random circuit sampling (RCS) benchmark and found that the chip’s performance was literally out of this world. Willow performed a computation in under five minutes that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 1025 or 10 septillion years. That’s a one followed by 24 zeros. According to Google, “this mind-boggling number exceeds known timescales in physics and vastly exceeds the age of the universe.”
Google noted that the speed and reliability performance of Willow shows great promise for helping discover new medicines, design more efficient batteries for electric cars, and accelerate progress in fusion and new energy alternatives.
The promise of quantum computing in areas like these is fueling investments in the technology by many other companies and nations.
Investments in Quantum Computing Continue to Grow
Google is just one of the tech giants in the U.S. ramping up investments in quantum computing technology. Companies like IBM, Microsoft, and AWS (Amazon) are also racing to develop quantum computing innovations.
Nations too are leading investors in quantum computing technology. According to EY, Canada has invested $2.2 billion in quantum computing, Germany $2.4 billion and China dedicated $10.0 billion to its National Quantum Lab. In the US, the National Quantum Initiative Act was signed in 2018 to invest $1.2 billion in the field of quantum information science and technology during a 10-year period. More recently, congressional leaders introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would authorize $2.7 billion in federal funding to accelerate quantum research and development at federal science agencies for the next five years.
Implications for Enterprise Cybersecurity
With breakthroughs like Willow and ongoing investments in quantum computing by tech giants and nations, advancements in this technology will continue to accelerate. Even though Google has gone on record to state that Willow cannot break modern cryptography, the fast-approaching era of quantum computing is creating an urgent imperative for enterprises to speed up their timelines for adopting post-quantum cryptography.
It’s no secret that quantum computers are poised to break widely used encryption protocols like RSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) and other public-key encryption protocols, rendering business communication and other sensitive data vulnerable to attacks. The quantum-driven looming obsolescence of these encryption protocols is a major reason for enterprises to become quantum resilient now.
While CRQCs (cryptographically relevant quantum computers) aren’t here yet, quantum threats are present today. Cybercriminals are harvesting encrypted data today in anticipation of decrypting it later when quantum technology matures and becomes powerful enough to crack current encryption protocols.
With quantum threats already here and the rate of quantum computing development accelerating, enterprises must take a proactive approach to becoming quantum resilient by adopting quantum-safe technologies throughout their operations.
Staying Ahead of Quantum Threats
Even as the post-quantum future looms, many enterprises are lagging when it comes to assessing their technology solution providers’ support for quantum-resistant cryptography. Metrigy’s recent Workplace Collaboration and Contact Center Security and Compliance 2024 global study of 338 organizations, found that just 18.1% assess their workplace collaboration vendors’ support for quantum-resistant cryptography.
To stay ahead of quantum threats organizations should not wait to adopt solutions supported by post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.
Migrating to post-quantum encryption technologies is essential for organizations to ensure the long-term confidentiality and integrity of their data now and in the future.
To help enterprises protect against quantum threats, the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released three PQC standards in August 2024. These standards provide a roadmap for securing a wide range of digital information including confidential business communication, e-commerce transactions, and more.
Enterprises can protect their data and stay ahead of quantum threats with the right tools and strategies in place including using solutions that support post-quantum cryptography, evaluating and inventorying current cryptographic infrastructure, prioritizing PQC transition of infrastructure based on risk, and monitoring regulatory developments to maintain compliance.
Wrapping Up
The introduction of Google’s Willow chip signals that the quantum future is fast approaching. While the era of quantum computing has not yet arrived, enterprises need to start preparing now to stay ahead of quantum threats. When it comes to quantum readiness, the sooner organizations transition to quantum-resistant encryption, the better.
About the Author
Anurag Lal is the President and CEO of NetSfere. With more than 25 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, ransomware, broadband and mobile security services, Lal leads a team of talented innovators who are creating secure and trusted enterprise-grade workplace communication technology to equip the enterprise with world-class secure communication solutions. Lal is an expert on global cybersecurity innovations, policies, and risks.
Previously, Lal was appointed by the Obama administration to serve as Director of the U.S. National Broadband Task Force. His past experience includes time at Meru, iPass, British Telecom and Sprint in leadership positions. Lal has received various industry accolades, including recognition by the Wireless Broadband Industry Alliance in the U.K. Lal holds a B.A. in Economics from Delhi University and is based in Washington, D.C.
Anurag can be reached online at @anuragl and at our company website https://www.netsfere.com
