What is Quantum computing in cybersecurity?

January 19, 2023

The term “quantum computing” refers to a novel kind of computer processing that runs operations on data according to the rules established by quantum mechanics. Quantum computing uses quantum bits, also known as qubits, to represent data, in contrast to traditional computing, which relies on bits. As a result, quantum computers can do some kinds of calculations far more quickly than conventional computers.

Quantum computing can break many of the encryption technologies presently being used, which presents a challenge to the cybersecurity industry. This is because many encryption techniques, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), depending on the difficulty of factoring big prime numbers or solving the discrete logarithm problem. As a result, it isn’t easy to decipher information using these methods. These issues may be solved on a quantum computer quickly, making it possible for an adversary to decrypt confidential information.

Researchers are working to create new techniques of encryption that are immune to quantum assaults, such as post-quantum cryptography, to defend against this danger. These strategies are developed to be safe even when employed against a quantum computer, and it is anticipated that they will soon find widespread use.

Other security-related activities, such as threat detection, intrusion detection, and incident response, are also possible applications for quantum computing. The use of quantum computing for secure communication is also something that researchers are looking at. One example of this would be quantum key distribution, which enables the safe exchange of encryption keys among users.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that quantum computing is still in its infancy and that the construction of a quantum computer that is both fully functional and practically applicable is still in progress.

In comparison to traditional computing, quantum computing has several advantages, some of which are as follows:

Swiftness: Certain kinds of calculations may be carried out far more quickly by quantum computers than by traditional computers. This is because conventional computers can only carry out one computation at a time, but quantum computers can carry out several calculations simultaneously.

Optimization: Quantum computing may be used to address complicated optimization issues that are intractable for conventional computers, such as those that are faced in logistics, finance, and machine learning. These challenges include those that are associated with quantum computing.

Simulation of a molecule’s behavior and the prediction of how it will interact with other molecules may be accomplished with the assistance of quantum computing, which can also be of use in the field of drug discovery. This can speed up the process of creating new medications.

Learning Machines Quantum computing may execute machine learning tasks such as pattern recognition and data categorization more effectively than classical computers can. This is because classical computers rely on bit-by-bit access to memory.

The use of quantum computing for secure communication is possible thanks to cryptography. One application of this technology is quantum key distribution, which enables the safe transfer of encryption keys.

Big Data Study: Quantum computing may be used to analyze big data sets that are too vast for conventional computers to manage, such as those that are encountered in genomics, weather forecasting, and the analysis of social media.

Artificial Intelligence: Deep learning and neural networks are AI algorithms that may be used for tasks like image recognition and natural language processing. Quantum computing can be utilized to enhance the performance of these AI algorithms.

It is important to note that although quantum computing has the potential to bring many benefits, it is still in its early stages of development, and it may take years or even decades for many of these benefits to materialize. This is even though quantum computing has the potential to bring many benefits.

Cybercert offers Security+/CEH/CISSP training. To learn more or to enroll online, visit cybercert.ca or call 416 471 4545.

Sam Fareed

Lead Instructor qualified in CISSP, CCIE, and MCT with 25 years of training experience in Toronto.