Quantum computing: From “someday” to now

Quantum computing has quietly advanced to a level of maturity and capability that many technologists, and policymakers, still underestimate. Long dismissed as a “future” technology, quantum is already delivering value in select use cases today.

“We’ve got real quantum computers,” said Scott Crowder, Vice President of Quantum Adoption at IBM Research. “We’ve come a long way in a very short period of time.”

Just nine years ago, Crowder noted, there were no quantum developers and no way to write quantum software. “Since then, we’ve gone from five-qubit systems to machines capable of running programs too complex for the world’s largest supercomputers,” he said.

While quantum computing is becoming more commercially available, it remains an emerging technology. The development curve, however, is accelerating thanks to ongoing improvements in qubit quality, system architecture, and software. Experts expect practical uses in the next five years, especially in medicine, energy, and materials science.

Act now: Modernization and quantum-safe security

Quantum computing will bring benefits before it becomes powerful enough to break today’s encryption – but that risk is coming. Future quantum computers could crack the cryptographic systems that protect government data. In fact, malicious actors can already steal encrypted data and wait until quantum technology makes it easy to unlock.

That’s why agencies should include quantum-safe cryptography as part their modernization efforts.

“There is risk today already for not changing your crypto standards,” Crowder warned. “Incorporating quantum considerations now ensures they become part of your IT strategy, not an afterthought.”

Crowder’s advice:

• Make quantum-safe cryptography part of your modernization plans.
• Find out what encryption you use (your “crypto bill of materials”).
• Start switching to quantum-safe algorithms based on NIST standards.

The bottom line

Quantum computing is no longer just a theory, it’s real, it’s advancing fast, and it will change how we solve complex problems. For government agencies, the opportunity is huge, but so is the responsibility. Preparing now, by planning for quantum-safe security as part of modernization efforts, will ensure readiness for both the technology’s benefits and risks.

The post Quantum computing is closer than you think first appeared on Federal News Network.