Table of Contents

• What is Quantum Computing?

• Why is Quantum Computing Such a Big Deal?

• Key Security Concerns

• Curated Learning Path (Quantum Computing)

  • Intro to Quantum Computing

  • What’s a Qubit?

  • Quantum Computing: Applications and Use Cases

  • Quantum Threats to Cybersecurity

  • Quantum-Resistant Cryptography

  • What is Y2Q?

• Conclusion:

• My Ask

Hi Securing Things Community,

📢 Welcome to Quantum Computing Cybersecurity crash course! 🛡️

If you've ever been curious about the Quantum Computing technology that could change everything - from solving the unsolvable to cracking codes that were once deemed unbreakable - you’re in the right place. I’ve broken it all down for you: what it is, how it works, the future it promises, and why it has the cybersecurity world on the edge.

In addition, I’ll be sharing my most viewed social media posts, ways in which I can help, and my asks.

What is Quantum Computing?

Richard P. Feynman, well known physicists of 20th century, said: "Things on a very small scale behave like nothing you have any direct experience about... or like anything that you have ever seen." (Reference → Six Easy Pieces by Richard Feynman. Basic Books, 1998, p.116).

Quantum Physics + Computing = Quantum Computing.

Quantum computing is an entirely new paradigm of computation, using the principles of quantum mechanics to process data and information. Unlike classical computers, which use bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use Qubits. A qubit can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously, thanks to the quantum property called "Superposition". This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data much faster than classical ones.

Why is Quantum Computing Such a Big Deal?

1. Speed and Efficiency: Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that are currently unsolvable due to the limits of classical computing. These range from complex simulations to real-time data analysis on an unprecedented scale.

2. Real-World Use Cases:

   • Drug Discovery: Quantum simulations could enable us to model complex molecules for creating new drugs.

   • Supply Chain Optimization: Companies like Volkswagen have already experimented with quantum algorithms to optimize traffic flow in urban areas.

   • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning models could see a huge leap in efficiency and accuracy, enabling smarter, faster AI systems.

   • Other applications: many other use cases to list but few examples are; material (battery) designs, computational fluid dynamics, secure communications, financial services and solutions (e.g. black swan forecasting) etc.

A combined project by NASA and google - 1097-QBUIT D-Wave, is claimed to be 100 M times powerful vs. the traditional computing we are familiar with today.

Key Security Concerns

• Breaking Encryption: As quantum computing advances, it could easily break many encryption methods currently used. New quantum-resistant algorithms are being developed, but the race is on.

• Data Vulnerability: Governments and organizations are stockpiling encrypted data, planning to decrypt it once quantum computers are capable. This makes the data vulnerable to future quantum attacks.

• Blockchain at Risk: While blockchain technology is considered secure, its foundational encryption methods could be rendered useless by quantum attacks, putting everything from cryptocurrencies to smart contracts in danger.

But before we get started, if you are brand new to the topic, here’s a two great short layman documentaries:

• by Cleo Abram (8.4M views), “Quantum Computers, explained with MKBHD”.

• by Bloomberg (2.5 M views), “The Race to Harness Quantum Computing's Mind-Bending Power | The Future With Hannah Fry”.  

Curated Learning Path (Quantum Computing)

To help you dive deeper into Quantum Computing, I’ve compiled a comprehensive learning path with reading materials, audio content, videos, and both free and commercial training courses. Whether you're just curious or looking to become proficient in quantum technologies, this guide will equip you with the right resources.