Some news coverage suggests that a quantum computer capable of cracking cryptographic codes may be 20 times easier to create than previously thought, which would threaten the security of almost everything in cyberspace.
However, quantum computers are still very much in their infancy and it’s not known if or when they will become a serious practical option.
Moreover, cryptography can be strengthened to protect against quantum computers, and there’s an international effort under way to develop post-quantum cryptographic tools.
Therefore, the author suggests that now is the time to evaluate risks and consider future actions, but there’s no need to panic.
In due course, digital systems will become post-quantum secure through security upgrades and replacement of technology, if and when the quantum threat emerges.
