Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s main points
- Quantum computing is approaching rapidly, but most organizations aren’t prepared yet.
- Experts recommend switching from 128-bit to 256-bit encryption immediately.
- Another growing concern is the shortage of quantum expertise.
Quantum computing promises a brighter tomorrow — while simultaneously introducing serious risks. Like a quantum state, both realities can exist side by side.
Also: These 4 major tech investments will transform the world economy in 2026
IT professionals are now confronted with difficult decisions as they evaluate, investigate, or even start gearing up for the approaching quantum revolution — complete with firm deadlines. These powerful systems will accomplish in mere hours or minutes what was once a multi-year effort, and these breakthroughs will soon arrive at businesses everywhere. But along with that progress come significant security threats.
Not ready for business deployment just yet
More than two dozen manufacturers are currently selling over 40 quantum processing units (QPUs) — the core hardware of a quantum computer — commercially, according to MIT’s latest Quantum Index Report. On top of that, the “quantum-as-a-service” model is opening up quantum computing resources to a broader audience.
However, quantum technology isn’t quite ready for enterprise-wide deployment, MIT researchers noted: “Although there have been remarkable improvements in performance, QPUs still don’t satisfy the demands for handling large-scale commercial workloads like chemical simulations or cryptanalysis.”
Also: Why AI’s future lies on-premises — insights from Dell Tech World 2026
“Quantum computers haven’t yet reached the stage where they can outperform classical computers on their own,” according to a study published by the IBM Institute for Business Value. “Being able to adapt operations, infrastructure, and partnerships as circumstances evolve is essential for getting ready for a quantum-driven future.”
To date, early applications involve modeling intricate molecular interactions and drug development: “The impact will extend to fields like supply chain and logistics, where quantum’s optimization abilities could fundamentally reshape how goods are distributed worldwide.”
Strengthening your defenses
Although the full impact of quantum computing may still be several years away, security measures need to be put in place now. Because quantum systems can evaluate thousands of possibilities simultaneously, they will be capable of cracking most current encryption methods and accessing protected data. Tim Steward, principal data enterprise architect at Fujitsu and author of The PostgreSQL Field Guide, cautioned during a recent data conference: “You think that once data is encrypted, you’re essentially safe. That assumption no longer holds.”
Quantum strength is measured in qubits. Every increment of 10 qubits enables 1,024 computations, giving attackers 1,024 times the firepower to shatter encryption in a single attempt, Steward explained. Machines with as many as 6,100 qubits already exist, and that figure continues to climb.
Also: If you haven’t started on quantum-safe encryption yet, you’ve already fallen behind
The strongest defensive strategy is to upgrade from 128-bit to 256-bit encryption without delay, as recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This move could shield encryption algorithms against quantum-based attacks for at minimum the next 20 years, Steward said. He urged companies to revisit their encryption and security frameworks with this goal in mind: “Take proactive action. Set clear objectives for your encryption strategy. Help your organization understand the constraints of your security posture.”
Projections indicate that “before this decade ends, a cryptographically capable quantum computer will exist that can break the encryption protecting our global economy,” warned Anand Oswal, executive vice president of network security at Palo Alto Networks, during a CXOTalk session moderated by Michael Krigsman.
Phasing out vulnerable encryption algorithms
“Governments worldwide have already begun taking decisive steps,” Oswal said. “The European Union has announced intentions to build a quantum-safe communication network by 2030.” Certain requirements, such as the CNSA 2.0 mandates put in place by the US National Security Agency, went into effect last year.
Furthermore, established algorithms like RSA and ECC “will be formally phased out,” Oswal projected. “Their usage will be discouraged and potentially flagged by various compliance platforms. By 2035, these susceptible cryptographic algorithms will be explicitly prohibited for most applications. That’s a firm deadline. Beyond that point, any system depending on them will be considered both non-compliant and inherently insecure according to the world’s leading security standards.”
Also: 51% of professionals say AI-generated slop hurts their productivity — here’s how to stop it in 2 simple steps
This challenge cannot be postponed any longer, Oswal stressed. “Many companies may already be behind when you factor in the actual timelines for migration,” he said. “Large-scale cryptographic migrations are notoriously complex and demand enormous time commitments. Data from previous transitions reveals these efforts can require anywhere from five to ten years for a major enterprise to complete. And for legacy software — as well as IoT and OT devices running embedded firmware — upgrades may not even be possible.”
Talent gaps and business opportunities
Another critical concern is the potential shortage of skilled professionals as quantum technology advances. Data referenced in the MIT report shows that demand for quantum-related skills has nearly tripled since 2018. The career opportunities span from highly specialized roles — such as error-correction scientists and quantum algorithm engineers — to positions requiring a broader skill set, many of which aren’t directly tied to quantum, like business development roles within quantum computing companies.
On the positive side, the adoption of quantum computing as a corporate resource is equally significant. At least 82% of AI-focused CEOs are already collaborating with partners across one or more quantum ecosystems to leverage shared strengths, minimize risk, and speed up learning, according to the IBM study. Nearly half (46%) of CEOs have already assembled a dedicated team to pinpoint specific quantum applications.
Also: Worried AI agents might take your job? 5 ways to channel that anxiety into productive action
CEOs surveyed by IBM said they anticipate quantum’s greatest benefits will come from streamlining operations and speeding up complex simulations. AI is also expected to gain, and quantum is predicted to unlock entirely new business opportunities. Here’s where the research indicated CEOs see the most business value from quantum computing:
- Streamlining operations, logistics, or resource allocation (48%)
- Speeding up complex simulations (45%)
- Boosting AI and machine learning capabilities (39%)
- Discovering entirely new business models or services (37%)
- Strengthening cybersecurity or encryption (32%)
- Shortening research and product development cycles (30%)
Business leaders should begin exploring quantum’s potential and challenges by “forming a small, cross-functional team with a six-month mission to identify realistic quantum use cases, model potential value, and connect with ecosystem partners,” the IBM researchers recommended. Additionally, they should align near-term technology decisions to accommodate quantum integration: “Focus on hybrid infrastructure, portable data architectures, and AI systems that can experiment with emerging compute models without requiring major overhauls.”
