{"id":49559,"date":"2023-11-08T03:04:40","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T08:04:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/?post_type=emagazine&#038;p=49559"},"modified":"2023-11-07T03:05:56","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T08:05:56","slug":"insight-story-quantum-computing","status":"publish","type":"emagazine","link":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/secure-futures-magazine\/insight-story-quantum-computing\/49559\/","title":{"rendered":"Quantum computing: Is it time for your business to get involved?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In Douglas Adams\u2019 1979 science fiction comedy novel <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">The Hitchhiker\u2019s Guide to the Galaxy<\/a>, a supercomputer called <a href=\"https:\/\/hitchhikers.fandom.com\/wiki\/Deep_Thought\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Deep Thought<\/a> takes 7.5 million years to answer the question, \u201cWhat is the meaning of life?\u201d Unlike Adams\u2019 monolithic supercomputer, quantum computers will be like today\u2019s fiber broadband compared to 1990s dial-up internet. <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/predict\/googles-quantum-computer-is-about-158-million-times-faster-than-the-world-s-fastest-supercomputer-36df56747f7f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Google\u2019s quantum computer can perform a calculation 158 million times faster<\/a> than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/whatis\/definition\/classical-computing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">classical computers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Quantum computing\u2019s sped-up computations could reshape nearly every industry. But it also has strange quirks that make it hard to use in ways that beat classical computer abilities.<\/p>\n<p>At least, that\u2019s how things are today. Businesses that value innovation are throwing their hat in the quantum ring to ensure they\u2019re ready for sweeping change. Should your business get involved \u2013 and if so, how?<\/p>\n<p>In Insight Story Season 2 Episode 3, I discuss quantum computing\u2019s relevance to business with Dr. Oliver Thomson Brown (UK,) Chancellor\u2019s Fellow at EPCC (formerly Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre,) University of Edinburgh and Dr. Henning Soller (Germany,) Partner and Director of Quantum Research, McKinsey &amp; Company.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: none;min-width: min(100%, 430px);height: 300px\" height=\"300\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.podbean.com\/player-v2\/?i=bc4vi-14f085c-pb&amp;from=pb6admin&amp;pbad=0&amp;square=1&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Arial&amp;skin=1b1b1b&amp;font-color=auto&amp;logo_link=episode_page&amp;btn-skin=2baf9e&amp;size=300\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>What is quantum computing?<\/h2>\n<p>Quantum computers are the next step up from the powerful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/supercomputing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">supercomputers<\/a> that often power AI applications today. They\u2019ll be part of our computing future but have a starting role today.<\/p>\n<p>Quantum and classical computers are very different beasts \u2013 in fact, they can\u2019t even communicate with one another. Quantum data is different, too \u2013 for example, you can\u2019t copy it. Some quantum computers must be kept at very low temperatures in purpose-built fridges.<\/p>\n<p>These features may not sound encouraging, but quantum computers have potential to do some things much better and faster. These abilities could be game-changing in many sectors, including finance, chemicals and logistics.<\/p>\n<h2>How could business use quantum computing?<\/h2>\n<p>Despite quantum computers currently being about as sophisticated as the classical computers of the mid-20th century, business is interested.<\/p>\n<p>Henning advises companies throughout Europe and the Middle East on large-scale IT and data transformations. He\u2019s confident quantum\u2019s impact will be huge. \u201cWe haven\u2019t yet proven a case where quantum computers outperform classical computers, but we\u2019re certain this technology will be the major disruption for the business in the coming decade. We estimate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/featured-insights\/the-rise-of-quantum-computing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">economic potential of at least several trillion US dollars<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Oliver\u2019s research focuses on the interaction of quantum and high-performance computing. He says quantum could help with problems where the solution is a sequence of binary numbers. \u201cThat might include logistical problems around deciding where things go. For example, how do you fill beds in a hospital ward? Or flow- or network-type problems, like traffic management. Quantum computers may also have advantages when finding the best configuration for a molecule, like in drug discovery.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Quantum might also work well for problems that scale poorly on classical computers. \u201cWe\u2019re looking at problems in aviation and genomics. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cd-genomics.com\/an-overview-of-genome-assembly.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Genome assembly<\/a> scales factorially \u2013 with a quantum computer, we may be able to reduce that by a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Henning adds, \u201cWe could use it for experiments that we need humans or animals for today. We could test chemicals much faster and transact money in different but completely secure ways. Some banks are using it for <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Derivative_(finance)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">derivative pricing<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monte_Carlo_method\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Monte Carlo simulations<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s something of a hammer looking for a nail, he says. \u201cIt\u2019s not about having an advantage today, but being able to exploit the advantage tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Quantum challenges<\/h2>\n<p>Oliver says, \u201cAdoption will be driven by how easy they are to use.\u201d But today, quantum computers aren\u2019t easy to use. \u201cYou have <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qubit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">qubits<\/a>, and multiple qubits form a register. Then you set up quantum gates in a circuit that apply to that qubit register and transform it \u2013 hopefully \u2013 into a state representing the solution to your problem.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_49563\" style=\"width: 250px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49563\" class=\"wp-image-49563 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.kasperskydaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2023\/11\/07030204\/Oliver-Brown-240x300.png\" alt=\"Dr. Oliver Thomson Brown (UK,) Chancellor's Fellow at EPCC (formerly Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre,) University of Edinburgh\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-49563\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Oliver Thomson Brown (UK,) Chancellor\u2019s Fellow at EPCC (formerly Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre,) University of Edinburgh<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you didn\u2019t understand that, don\u2019t worry \u2013 classical computers don\u2019t get it either. That\u2019s one of the biggest challenges that must be overcome for quantum to go mainstream, says Oliver. \u201cYou have results stored as quantum information on qubits in your qubit register, but you can\u2019t read that out directly into a classical computer. So what do you do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s not all. \u201cYou can\u2019t copy quantum information. That\u2019s great for security but terrible for computing,\u201d says Oliver.<\/p>\n<p>With technology this imperfect \u2013 and let\u2019s face it, confusing to anyone without a computer science PhD \u2013 the business benefits are less obvious. Henning suggests looking at the bigger picture.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>People ask, can we do better derivative pricing on a quantum or classical computer? At this stage, it\u2019s on the classical computer. But what\u2019s the stakeholder and shareholder value in having a better outlook on innovation?<\/p>\n<cite><p>Dr. Henning Soller, Partner and Director of Quantum Research, McKinsey &amp; Company<\/p><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_49564\" style=\"width: 311px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49564\" class=\"wp-image-49564 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/media.kasperskydaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2023\/11\/07030414\/Henning-Soller.png\" alt=\" Dr. Henning Soller (Germany,) Partner and Director of Quantum Research, McKinsey &amp; Company\" width=\"301\" height=\"300\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-49564\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Henning Soller (Germany,) Partner and Director of Quantum Research, McKinsey &amp; Company<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\u201cThere is value in investing in quantum computing already, but not in profit and loss terms.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Is quantum a security threat?<\/h2>\n<p>A 2022 study claimed that it will soon be possible to <a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2212.12372\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">crack the most established crypto algorithm by combining classical and quantum computing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It comes down to the role giant prime numbers play in encryption. Oliver says, \u201cThe first big quantum computing application was for factoring large prime numbers. It has no practical use except that we use large prime numbers for encryption. But security people now know it\u2019s not a good base for security, and they\u2019re looking at alternatives. It must be something quantum computers are bad at.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Amin Hasbini, Head of Research Centre Middle East, Turkey and Africa for Kaspersky\u2019s Global Research and Analysis Team agrees the cybersecurity industry is one step ahead.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Current cryptography looks stone-age compared with quantum processing, but we\u2019re already developing quantum-proof encryption.<\/p>\n<cite><p>Dr. Amin Hasbini, Head of Research Centre Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT,) Kaspersky <\/p><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<p>\u201cQuantum computing will also make encrypted data harder to hack, but hackers will find ways to adapt as they always have.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Henning sees the need for improved encryption as a quantum business opportunity. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/secure-futures-magazine\/quantum-encryption\/28372\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Quantum cryptography<\/a> is a whole new industry. It\u2019s a major area of active investment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He doesn\u2019t see hackers accessing quantum tech just yet. \u201cThis is elaborate technology \u2013 not something you can steal and easily operate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Oliver thinks one quantum quirk might foil decryption attempts. \u201cThe error rate for quantum computers is huge compared to classical computers. You\u2019re likely to hit an error with any big circuit. You\u2019d need a very large quantum computer, and we\u2019re nowhere near that.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>What will quantum computing\u2019s future look like?<\/h2>\n<p>What are the next steps to unlocking the potential of quantum computing? Henning says, \u201cThe first machines will be hybrid by design because programming them will require a classical computer. Several technologies will need to come together to operate them successfully. They must intelligently break down a problem into what suits each technology and then put the overall result together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He suggests business leaders embrace the future. \u201cThis revolution is coming \u2013 not tomorrow, but in a foreseeable timeframe. It may make sense to set up a smaller team to scout the technology and identify use cases. Look for opportunities to partner with quantum startups. Your business can bring the knowledge of problems that need solving.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Oliver agrees it\u2019s not about having all the expertise in-house. \u201cBuild partnerships with specialists who understand how to get the most of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Quantum computers can\u2019t do much today, but their potential is undeniable. Businesses exploring this new realm are investing in a reputation for innovation and the possibility of solving today\u2019s hard problems. Difficulty accessing and using the technology should keep hackers at bay for now, but cyber researchers are working on new encryption methods that quantum computers can\u2019t crack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although still at the demonstration stage, businesses are already exploring how quantum computing could help them get ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2521,"featured_media":49561,"template":"","coauthors":[3452],"class_list":{"0":"post-49559","1":"emagazine","2":"type-emagazine","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"emagazine-category-digital-transformation","7":"emagazine-category-future-tech","8":"emagazine-category-tech-for-business","9":"emagazine-tag-inside-story","10":"emagazine-tag-podcast","11":"emagazine-tag-quantum-computing"},"hreflang":[{"hreflang":"x-default","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/secure-futures-magazine\/insight-story-quantum-computing\/49559\/"}],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/emagazine\/49559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/emagazine"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/emagazine"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2521"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=49559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}