What Is Quantum Computing?

Over recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about quantum computers. News of this new era of computing is both exciting and scary. Some say quantum computers will turn everything we know about computing on its head, rendering passwords, IT infrastructures, and data vaults completely useless.

It turns out that a lot of what we hear about quantum computers just isn’t true. Quantum computers are not supercomputers bound to crush our digital way of life as we know it. They simply represent an entirely new way of computing that solves real-world problems (and creates new ones).

This article clears the air on what quantum computing really is, how it will change what computers can do, and the current state of quantum computing research.

Quantum Computers vs. Classical Computers

The computers we use today (classical computers) work by decoding and executing basic instructions using silicon-based CPUs. Modern CPUs have millions of transistors—microscopic switches that rapidly turn on and off to perform logical operations on bits. A bit, represented as either 1 or 0, is the smallest unit of information in a computer.

Quantum computers run on qubits. Like regular bits, a qubit can be set to a binary value. Instead of an ON or OFF state, a qubit represents one of two quantum-level states, such as a subatomic particle’s spin, magnetic field, or presence. However, the qubit doesn’t have to be in just one state; it can be in any proportion of both states simultaneously. This phenomenon is called superposition. The qubit remains in a superposition of endless probabilities of 1 and 0 until it is observed or measured.

Two classic bits can only be in one of four different values at any given time. But two qubits can be in all four configurations at the same time. Qubits can also be entangled, meaning that by measuring one qubit, you can accurately deduce the state of its entangled partner.

In a nutshell, quantum computers use quantum properties such as entanglement and superposition to run multiple sets of possible calculations from a simple set of instructions. Such computing is ideal for running complex simulations, especially those involving real-world analog data.

Why Quantum Computers?

Classical computers have become smarter and more powerful over the years. They’ve also gotten smaller. Modern CPUs, for example, pack billions of transistors in an area less than the size of your fingernail. IBM recently unveiled the world’s first 2 nm chip, with transistors only about five atoms across.

With components approaching the size of atoms, we’re nearing the physical limits of classical computers. There’s a threshold to how small you can make functional electrical components. That’s where quantum computers start to make sense. The quantum particles are orders of magnitude smaller than the atoms themselves.

Also, quantum computers are far superior at running simulations in quantum and molecular physics, making predictions, and running complex calculations.

Quantum Computing Security Concerns

Is quantum computing a cybersecurity threat?

Data encryption works because even the most powerful computers on earth would take billions of years to break decryption keys. But a powerful enough quantum computer could, in theory, decrypt hard encryptions without breaking a sweat. That’s why threat actors are stealing encrypted data with the hope of decrypting it once quantum computers arrive.

However, even the largest quantum computer is still far from breaking codes. Additionally, NIST and countless other organizations have developed and are continuing to develop quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.

The Long Wait for Quantum Computers

Quantum computers have been a long time coming and are still a long way (decades at least) from mainstream use. IBM currently leads the quantum race, with dozens of functional prototypes in development. However, the tech is still largely experimental, although IBM and other pioneers are making notable progress.

As we wait for quantum computers, how about we make the most of the computing power available today? Highway 99 can help you with that. As a managed IT services provider, we can help you optimize your IT infrastructure to maximize digital performance, security, and efficiency.

Reach out for more information.